GROUPED PROJECT FOR COMMERCIAL FOREST PLANTATIONS

Transcription

GROUPED PROJECT FOR COMMERCIAL FOREST PLANTATIONS
INITIATIVES IN THE DEPARTMENT OF VICHADA
Document Prepared By
South Pole Carbon Asset Management SAS and Carbono & Bosques
South Pole Carbon Asset Management Ltd
T +57 4 352 4428; [email protected]
Corporación Carbono & Bosques
T +57 4 230 0876; [email protected]
CONTENIDO
GENERAL SECTION ............................................................................................................. 5
G1. Project Goals, Design and Long-term Viability............................................................ 5
G1.2. Define the project’s climate, community and biodiversity objectives. ...................... 5
G2. Without-project Land Use Scenario and Additionality ............................................... 32
G3. Stakeholder Engagement .......................................................................................... 39
G4. Management Capacity ............................................................................................... 47
G5. Legal Status and Property Rights .............................................................................. 49
CLIMATE SECTION ............................................................................................................. 54
COMMUNITY SECTION ...................................................................................................... 55
CM1. Without-Project Community Scenario ..................................................................... 55
CM2. Net Positive Community Impacts ............................................................................ 57
CM3. Other Stakeholder Impacts ..................................................................................... 69
CM 4. Community Impact Monitoring ............................................................................... 69
BIODIVERSITY SECTION ................................................................................................... 75
B1. Biodiversity Without–project Scenario ....................................................................... 75
B2. Net Positive Biodiversity Impacts ............................................................................... 77
B3. Offsite Biodiversity Impacts ........................................................................................ 89
B4. Biodiversity Impact Monitoring ................................................................................... 89
APPENDIX I: Threatened species ....................................................................................... 93
COVER PAGE
Project name
Grouped project for commercial forest plantations
initiatives in the department of Vichada
Project location
The Project area for the first instance corresponds to
the properties of La Pedregoza, El Toro, Canapro, El
Diamante and Horizonte Verde, located at the veredas
Caño Negro, Aceito, La Esmeralda and Campo
Alegre, in the municipality of Puerto Carreño
(Department of Vichada, Colombia).
Project Proponent
Fundación Natura
Roberto León Gómez Charry
PBX: (+57-1) 245 5700 - 2455727 Ext. 112
[email protected]
Auditor
Instituto Colombiano de Normas Técnicas. ICONTEC
Tel: (571) 607 88 88 Ext.: 1381
Ángela Duque
E-mail: [email protected]
Project lifetime
Project start date: June 15th 2011
Project lifetime: 30 years and 0 months.
GHG accounting period: June 15, 2011, and ends on
June 14, 2041.
CCB History
First validation attempt
Edition of CCB Standard
Being Used
Third Edition
Summary of Climate,
Community and
Biodiversity Benefits
Generated
The expected climate benefits are the mitigation of
climate change, increases in carbon sequestration of
972,417 tCO2e in 30 years (with an annual average of
32,413.92 tCO2e), and regulation of water bodies
(which encourages adaptation to climate change
impacts).
The expected benefits on biodiversity are an increase
of about 8,000 ha in forest covers and the enhancement
of connectivity of forest ecosystems, as well as the
conservation of the flora and fauna in the region. In
addition, the properties use organic fertilizers in order to
reduce the inputs of chemicals for the management of
the planted area.
Locally, the benefits for the community include the
direct and indirect generation of employment, and
technology transfer through technical training in forestry
topics, resulting in around 80 people permanently
employed in technical activities. Besides, project
activities generate income to improve the infrastructure
for both workers and inhabitants of the region (roads,
bridges, etc.), which affects the quality of life of the
population.
The properties within the carbon project may receive
additional income to improve the quality of workers,
quality of plantations, monitoring and sustainable
actions in the project area.
Date of Completion of this
Version and Version
Number:
March 1st, 2016
Version 01
CCB Standards Third Edition
GENERAL SECTION
G1. Project Goals, Design and Long-term Viability
Project Overview
G1.1. Identify the primary Project Proponent which is responsible for the project’s design and
implementation and provide contact details.
The Project Proponent is Fundación Natura, which is a non-profit and non-governmental
organization (NGO) whose mission is to promote the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable
use of natural resources. Since its creation in 1984 researchers and scientists working for this NGO
have been interested in generating spaces for environmental research, sustainable land use planning
and mitigation of carbon emissions. They have also promoted tools and incentives for land
conservation, policymaking, the creation of protected areas and the integrated management of
watersheds.
Through the Agreement No. 02 of 2015 1, Fundación Natura established an alliance with the
landowners and project owners, in order to co-finance and collaborate with the development of the
project design for carbon markets and eventually with other related activities. The owners and legal
representatives of the first instance agreed that Funación Natura could act as project proponent, as
they move towards the establishment of a formal figure that represents them 2.
Contact details
Organization name
Fundación Natura
Contact person
Roberto León Gómez Charry
Title
Assistant Director of Local Development and Global Change office
Address
Carrera 21 No. 39-43, Bogotá D.C. (Colombia)
Telephone
PBX: (+57-1) 245 5700 - 2455727 Ext. 112
Email
[email protected]
G1.2. Define the project’s climate, community and biodiversity objectives.
The project aims to promote investments in new sustainable commercial forest plantations in Puerto
Carreño’s Municipality. The project is based on changing the land use from extensive cattle ranching
1
2
Agreement No. 02 of 2015. Fundación Natura and Otrosi 01_Agreement No. 02 of 2015.
Commitment letters landowners
5
to sustainable forest productive systems, restoring natural forest covers, and creating a landscape of
biological and productive corridors that produce financial, social and environmental services for the
region. These services include the mitigation of climate change, increases in carbon sequestration
(CO2), regulation of waterways (which encourages adaptation to climate change impacts), increases
in forest covers and enhancement of connectivity of forest ecosystems, as well as the conservation
of the flora and fauna in the region.
Locally, the benefits for the community include the direct and indirect creation of employment,
technical training in forestry tasks, and development of social and productive infrastructure, which
affects the quality of life of the population.
G1.3. Provide the location (country, sub-national jurisdictions(s)) and a brief overview of the basic
physical and social parameters of the project.
The Project area for the first instance corresponds to the properties of La Pedregoza, El Toro,
Canapro, El Diamante and Horizonte Verde, located at the veredas Caño Negro, Aceito, La
Esmeralda and Campo Alegre, in the municipality of Puerto Carreño (Department of Vichada,
Colombia).
Physical conditions3
The grouped project is located in Puerto Carreño, capital of the department of Vichada. It has an area
of 12,409 km2 and is located at a height of 50 meters above the sea level. It borders by the North and
east with the Republic of Venezuela (confluence of the Meta and Orinoco rivers respectively), by the
South with the Tomo River and by the West with the municipality of La Primavera. Puerto Carreño is
located between the coordinates X: 1,185,745.99 and 1,342,465.99; Y: 704,608.41 and 590,548.41
(UTM coordinates).
According to Holdridge life zones, the project zone corresponds to moist tropica l forest (Bh-T in
Spanish).
Temperature
Records of temperature provided by different climatic stations, qualify the department as presenting
a warm climate, with maximum temperatures occurring in the months of February and March with
ranges between 25 - 36 °C and the minimum in July varying between 23 - 31 °C. The average
temperature is of about 28, 8 °C.
Precipitation
Annual precipitation is of about 2,366 mm, with an average monthly rainfall of 197.18 mm. In
wintertime, the rains are heterogeneous (prolonged rainy periods of low intensity and periods of heavy
3
EOT Puerto Carreño. 2010a
6
rain locally called chubascos). It has a unimodal rainfall regime, with a dry season from December to
April and a wet season from April to November.


Macro rain Time: From December to March the weather is extremely dry, while from April to
November is highly wet and rainy. The prevailing winds come from the east, and are
especially noticeable during the day as they cause huge clouds of dust in the summers above
the bare soils.
Macro Fluvial Time: Due to the south origin, the Orinoco River begins to grow normally before
the Meta River.
Relative Humidity
Relative humidity shows a tendency toward dryness, with higher rates in the months of June, July
and August; and smaller percentages of moisture in the months of February and March.
Solar brightness
Annually, the area receives approximately 2,215 hours, a condition that favors the establishment of
fruit trees and the phenological development of different plant species of the ecosystem. The months
with more available sunlight per year are December to April, with a monthly maximum of 292 hours
in January.
Winds
Local winds and light breezes are present. The northeast trade winds contribute to the distribution of
rainfall and to the origination of microclimates. They are presented with greater intensity during the
dry season and can reach average speeds of 3.3 meters per second. Sporadically, during dry periods,
strong winds can occur, causing extensive damage in the few crops present in the area.
Soils
The soils of the Colombian high plains have a moderate to rapid drainage, with thin loamy textures
and thick loamy textures. Soils are limited by their low fertility. Soils have high aluminum
concentrations and low contents of organic carbon. They are classified as Ferralsols, and regularly
are yellow to brown.
The soils are generally located on the banks of the tables, its relief is flat to slightly undulated, with
slopes ranging from 1 to 5%. Soils present laminar hydric erosion, slight to moderate and in some
sectors, they present zurales and termite mounds.
The rainy season, influences the loss of the few soluble or interchangeable elements generating high
soil acidity. Soil pH is generally less than 5.0; and during dry periods, the temperatures f avor the
polymerization of humic substances giving as a result the hardening of horizons and the cementation
coming from the dehydration of iron compounds.
Generally, the soils of Vichada's department are classified in the order of Oxisols characterized b y
the presence of the Oxic horizon. Soils are sandy and rocky (Guyana Shield) and present hardened
7
levels in the soil profile or face problems of acidity, low fertility (lowland transition to the Amazon
region). The largest soils correspond to the floodplain. The region present flat reliefs, deep and well
drained, and developed from clay and thin sediments. Soils are developed and present very low
fertility and low contents of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium while present
medium contents of organic carbon and high concentrations of aluminum.
Geomorphology
The geomorphology of the Orinoco region is divided into two contrasting morpho-structural units:
mountain region that corresponds to the eastern flank of the east range and the other, the Orinoqués
domain represented by plains and savannahs. The high plains of the commonly named Llanos
Orientales (eastern llanos) present a combined relief: 30% is occupied by the mountainous structure,
and 70% is made of flat structures which are subdivided into: high plains that do not exceed 150 m
and the rich alluvial plains in forests, diverse crops, livestock and local fauna.
The Altillanura (high plains), as a particular landscape, is located at the south of the Meta River and
includes much of the department of Vichada. It is covered by materials accumulated by the winds,
leading to landscapes formed by thin sand dunes. The relief is gentle with dissectional process.
Extensive where rivers deposit sediments in a quasi-horizontally way. In the landscape of the high
plains can be found small erosional valleys around the gallery forests; Broad and elongated erosional
depressions of colluvial-kind, can also be found in the region, leading to estuaries.
Because the drainage is imperfect in large areas, flooding events occur during the rainy season,
causing waterlogging of the soil, especially where water has a slow penetration. Each of these
environments determine the vegetation and a greater or lesser development of the common species,
especially trees and shrubs
Soils are geologically formed by sedimentary materials accumulated in marine and coastal
environments, redeposited when emerged the Eastern range, where they have been subjected to
processes of weathering and deeply washing, reducing its mineralogical composition and therefore,
impoverishing soils. The altillanura (high plains) consists of alluvial Plio Pleistocenic materials, which
were affected by the great fault line that runs and induces the flow of the Meta River and it has drains
that go to the east and south. Therefore, the altillanura do not only belongs to the savannas of the
Meta-Orinoco region, but also they integrate the transitional area of the Orinoco and the Amazon.
Hydrography
The municipality of Puerto Carreño has different mainstreams as the Orinoco, Meta, Bita and Tomo
rivers; as well as rivers of second order such as, Juriepe, Dagua, Negro, Avion, Muco, Chiquichaque,
Terecay and Murciélago; and streams of third order that drain the previously mentioned rivers.
The scheme of territorial organization of Puerto Carreño (2010) 4 describe the following basins:
-
4
Orinoco’s Basin
EOT Puerto Carreño. 2010b
8
The Orinoco basin is geopolitically shared by Venezuela and Colombia, with an area of 1,080,000
km2. Among the main Colombian tributaries are the Guaviare, Vichada, Tuparro, Volume, Meta and
Arauca rivers, as they provide most of the Orinoco's Flow. The river network and basin surface, as
well as the great length of the Orinoco River (> 2,000 km), allow distinguishing the existence of many
different landscapes, landforms and biotypes along its course. These same characteristics in
conjunction with the average slope (<0.01%) determine a transit time of water of significant biological
importance. The average flow of the Orinoco River is calculated in 36,000 m3/ s (1.1X10 12 m3 / year)
which places it as the third in the world, after the Amazon.
-
Meta River
The Meta River rises in the eastern cordillera (range). Its hydrological attribute depends on sudden
changes in rainfall patterns from one period to another; the strong erosion in the mountains and the
limited capacity of the river for water drainage; plus the fact that it serves as a collector of many other
rivers in the plains, generates an underground layer whose level is found in wells and lowlands . This
river gives the Orinoco River an annual average of 4000m3 / s.
It has a navigable length of 730 km between Puerto Lopez and Puerto Carreño, with a fairly straight
course without many meanders and ramifications, unlike other rivers in the department. Its West-East
course forms the border between Casanare and Vichada and Colombia with Venezuela.
-
Tomo River
The Tomo River originates in the department of Meta. The main tributaries are the Tuparro and
Tuparrito rivers and the Tuparro spout. There are other spouts such as the Urimica, Grande,
Guairapali, Caviona, the Boral and the Negro. The river goes over about 606 km.
-
The Bita River
The river originates from several streams that born in the high plains, by the west of Puerto Carreño.
On its way from west to east, more than 200 km can be identified as navigable, mostly by small boats.
Ecosystems
Parra-O, C (2006)5 describes de native plant cover of Puerto Carreño, according to the formed
ecosystems, explained as follows:
a) Flooded Forest
These forests are located on the sides of the Orinoco, Bita and Meta rivers, which generate seasonal
flooding’s, letting them submerged during the rainy season. However, there are two types of flooded
forest, which differ by their position in the floodplain of rivers. The first one is located in the lower part
of the floodplain and develops near the coast of the rivers, remaining flooded for several months
throughout the year. The dominant species of these forests are Campsiandra amplexicaulis, Simira
5
Parra-O, C. 2006. Estudio General de la Vegetación Nativa de Puerto Carreño (Vichada, Colombia).
Disponible en: http://www.scielo.org.co/pdf/cal/v28n2/v28n2a2
9
rubescens, Zygia cataractae and Symmeria paniculata. The second type of flooded forest is located
in the highest part of the floodplain of rivers and near to the edge of the rocky outcrop where the
dominant species are Eschweilera tenuifolia and Licania heteromorpha and in less proportion Zygia
cataractae.
a) Gallery Forest
Corresponds to an uniform strip of forest vegetation with continuous canopy, with a variable width
ranging from a few meters to 500 meters, located on the edge of water bodies and that are
characterized by presenting a dense undergrowth forest with numerous lianas, palms and large trees.
Soils are sandy and the pipes or spouts surrounding these forests are clear and dark. They are divided
into flooded forests, gallery forests and well drained gallery forest.
-
Well-drained gallery forest: Corresponds to the strip of gallery forest bordering with areas of
well-drained savannas. It presents an underwood, more or less dense, with few palms, trees
of at least 25 meters high and 90 cm in diameter, as the following species: Siparuna guianensis,
Astrocaryum acaule, Parinari sp, Andira surinamensis, Erythroxylum cf amazonicum, Garcinia
madruno, Virola cf elongata, Matayba elegans, Heisteria cf acuminata, Olyra latifolia, Ouratea
castaneifolia, Hirtella elongata, Pera arborea, Abuta grandiflora, Socratea exorrhiza, Brosimum
guianense, B. lactescens, Tachigali guianensis, Aspidosperma excelsum, Licania kunthiana,
Himatanthus articulatus, Jacaranda copaia, Licania subarachnophylla, Erisma uncinatum,
among others.
-
Flooded gallery forest: It is located in the floodplain of the streams and rivers that remain
flooded in the Orinoco region for more than 6 months. Inside the Pedregoza reserve, the most
representative forest is the Bita Gallery forest and the most common species of this ecosystem
are: Ocotea cymbarum, Licania mollis, Licania apetala, Mouriri acutifolia, Campsiandra
implexicaulis, Duroia micrantha, Zygia cf inequalis, Leopoldinia pulchra, Virola surinamensis,
Parahancornia oblonga, Xylopia emarginata, Bactris brongniartii, Astrocaryum jauari, Tachigali
sp, Simaba orinocense, Acosmiun nitens, Buchenavia viridiflora, Tabebuia barbata,
Macrolobium limbatum, Macrolobium multijugum, Vochysia obscura, Miconia aplostachya,
Maquira coriacea, Quiina macrophylla, Copaifera pubiflora, Inga sp, Byrsonima japurensis,
Mabea nitida, Licania apetala, Garcinia madruno, Scleria sp, among others.
b) Savannas
They are characterized by presenting a flat to undulated relief, with sandy loamy soils, with Eolic
influence and can be separated from very well-drained soils and wet soils to slightly flooded. Around
Puerto Carreño are two types of savannas whose physiognomy is mainly determined by the flooding
regime to which they are subjected. Within these two types can be found the following types:
Open Savannas: They are found mainly by the west of the Cerro El Bita (small mountain). The
herbaceous component dominates in these savannas and it has numerous species of grasses, as
the Axonopus anceps, Axonopus fissifolius and Hyparrehnia rufa. The shrub component is scarce
and is represented by Mimosa microcephala that grows isolated between the herbaceous matrixes.
The presence of trees is almost null, showing only some individuals of the American Curatella that
grows scattered into the bush.
10
Wooded savannah: It borders the gallery forest and due to its topographic position, remains flooded
during the rainy season longer than the open savannas. Therefore, besides the herbaceous
component dominated by grasses, it develops a dense shrub component in the limits of the gallery
forest (scattered in the savannah) dominated by Mimosa microcephala and Tibouchina spruceana In
addition, it presents a greater quantity of tree species (and larger) than the open savannah, where
the common species are Caraipa llanorum and to a lesser extent Vochysia venezuelana and Mabea
trianae.
c) Dwarf trees
It is a well-drained savanna ecosystem, covered by grasses and dicotyledonous forbs, but with
predominance of tree and shrub species, such as Curatella Americana and Byrsonima crassifolia.
d) Morichales and Saladillales
They are almost pure or mixed associations with predominance of Mauritia flexuosa present in moist
or phreatic soils, with organic and acid soils. Morichales are dominated by species such as Cecropia
Metensis, Mauritia flexuosa, Parahancornia oblong Xylopia emarginata, Xylopia plowmanii, Virola
surinamensis, Socratea exorrhiza, Calophyllum brasiliensis, among others. These morichales are
located at the headwaters of the gallery forests.
The saladillal is an association of Caraipa llanorum, mainly with other herbaceous species and some
bushes, which grow on slightly flooded soils in the Orinoquia platform. The most important species
that are associated with Saladillales: Eriocaulon humboldtii, Syngonanthus caulescens,
Limnosipanea palustris, Acisanthera uniflora, Byrsonima aff coccolobifolia, Chaunochiton
angustifolium, Mandevilla scabra, Eriosema simplicifolium, Crotalaria sagitalis, Ipomoea
schomburgkii, Curtia tenuifolia, Hyptis conferta, Ocotea sanariapensis, Cuphea odonelli,
Rhynchanthera grandiflora, Pterogastra minor, Tibouchina aspera, Sauvagesia erecta, Andropogon
virgatus, Panicum caricoides, Sacciolepis angustissima, Limnosipanea spruceana, Xyris
savannarum, Poteranthera pusilla, among others.
Reserve areas
Reserva Biósfera de Tuparro (RBT) was declared in 1982, in recognition of its potential for
conservation, research, sustainable development and binational coordination.
The reserve is located in jurisdiction of the municipalities of Cumaribo, La Primavera and Puerto
Carreño (Vichada). The RBT has an area of 918,000 hectares and has the only protected area that
maintains a nationwide sample of ecosystems of the eastern plains of Colombia 6.
El Parque Nacional Natural (PNN) Tuparro is a public protected area that belongs to the national
system. It is located in the municipality of Puerto Carreño (Figure 1), covering an area of 548,000
hectares that was created to preserve the flora, fauna, natural scenic beauty and complex
geomorphological manifestations with scientific, cultural, educational, creative and aesthetic
6
www.omacha.org
11
purposes. Vegetation is composed by natural savannas that cover 75% of the protected area, gallery
forests, high plains forests, morichales and several communities of granite outcrops.
In addition, it is important to highlight the existence of two reserves of civil society within the RBT,
which are the Reserva Natural Bojanawi and the Reserva Natural Ventanas7.
Figure 1. Location of Reserva de Biósfera El Tuparro
Source: Fundación Omacha
Social conditions
Population
According to DANE (2005), Puerto Carreño has a population of 13,288 inhabitants, of which
approximately 77% is located in urban areas, and the remaining in rural areas of the municipality. Of
the total population, 50.5% are men and 49.5% women (Figure 2) and their distribution presents a
pyramidal population structure (Figure 3). In addition, 78.3% of households have electricity
connection and 70.1% have aqueduct.
7
Gómez-Camelo, I. 2011. Reserva de Biósfera El Tuparro: un reto para la conservación de la Orinoquía
colombiana. Disponible en:
http://revistas.javeriana.edu.co/index.php/ambienteydesarrollo/article/view/3167/2409
12
Figure 2. Population by sex in Puerto Carreño.
Figure 3. Population structure by sex and age group
37.5% of the resident population in Puerto Carreño, has reached the basic primary level and 28.9%
the secondary; 4.3% has reached the professional level and 1.1% had undergone specialization,
masters or doctorate programs. The resident population with no education is equivalent to 14.2%. In
addition, 23.8% of the population living in Puerto Carreño recognizes itself as Indigenous peoples.
Among the indicators of life quality, life expectancy at birth for these areas vary between 22 and 25
years with respect to the country, ranking among the 60.4 years for the municipal head and 55.5
years for rural areas: 69.8 and 67.6 vs. years respectively are the national averages.
According to DANE, the 45.35% of the population of Puerto Carreño has Unsatisfied Basic Needs
(IBN), while a 54.35% live in extreme poverty.
13
Figure 4. Unsatisfied Basic Needs (2010) in Puerto Carreño.
Collective held lands (Indigenous reservations)
The Vichada's department presents indigenous reserves (Figure 5), distributed in the project area as
follows: Spout Caño Dagua, Spout Hormiga, Soput Guaripa, Cachicamo, Bachaco, Guacamaya
Maipore and indigenous settlements: The Mayera and Puerto Colombia.
14
Figure 5. Indigenous reservations in the Department of Vichada. Source: SIGOT 8.
Furthermore, regarding to the border area of Colombia, the project area has 16.1% ( Table 1) of the
total indigenous population. The Sikuani are the predominant ethnic group, followed by the Piaroa. It
also holds 45% of the half-caste population and 16.1% of African descents in the border area of
Vichada (Table 2).
Table 1. Indigenous Population, Puerto Carreño, La Primavera y Cumaribo – Vichada, 2010.
Municipality
Indigenous Population
%
Puerto Carreño
2,753
16.01
La Primavera
519
3.4
Cumaribo
13,778
80.8
Total
17,050
100
Source: Analysis of the health situation of borders (ASIS) Vichada (Puerto Carreño, La Primavera
and Cumaribo)9.
8
Geographic Information System for land planning. SIGOT. Avaliable at
http://sigotn.igac.gov.co/sigotn/EXPEDIENTE/PDF/Vichada_Resguardos_Negras_V2_2012_01_18.pdf?
9
Acevedo, J. 2012. Analysis of the health situation of borders (ASIS) Vichada (Puerto Carreño, La Primavera
and Cumaribo Avaliable at:
http://www.minsalud.gov.co/sites/rid/Lists/BibliotecaDigital/RIDE/VS/ED/PSP/ASIS%20Vichada.pdf
15
Table 2. Racial composition, Puerto Carreño, La Primavera and Cumaribo – Vichada
Municipality
Mixed-raze
(mestizos)
%
Afrodescendant
%
Puerto Carreño
8,603
45
1,522
16.1
La Primavera
2,534
13.3
2,948
30.6
Cumaribo
7,962
14.2
5,143
53.3
Total
19,099
100
9,643
100
Fuente: Análisis de la situación de salud de fronteras (ASIS) Vichada (Puerto Carreño, La Primavera
y Cumaribo) 10.
The municipal health plan of Puerto Carreño (2008) 11 states that the living conditions of the
indigenous population is affected by the few job opportunities with low incomes, which does not allow
them to access the basic elements to sustain and improve their quality of life.
The municipality of Puerto Carreño within its priority actions has classified the following groups as
vulnerable population groups: displaced people, the disabled, single mothers, the elderly, indigenous
peoples, children and adolescents. Special emphasis is given to indigenous communities for being a
large group (11.25% of the municipality's population and 4.8% compared to the population of the
department), where the loss of cultural identity is perceived. Their habits, customs and traditions area
being lost due to the displacement of their reserves to urban areas in search of basic needs such as
food, clothing, housing and basic sanitation (Municipality of Puerto Carreño, 2012 12). By 2010, the
percentage of unsatisfied basic needs was 45.6%.
Displaced Population
The municipality of Puerto Carreño is characterized as a receiving municipality of displaced
population, with 2,694 people by 2012 who conform 721 families.
Transport infrastructure.
The population of the municipality, indigenous communities or clusters of settlers are located in
remote farms, with roads that are in poor condition mainly passable in summer. These conditions
qualify them as semi grouped rural communities and rural dispersed populations.
The primary road infrastructure corresponds to the Juriepe - Puerto Carreño stretch, with a total length
of 97 km of which only 14 km are unpaved. Regarding the secondary network, it covers 2,438 km of
which 1,563 km belong to the department of Vichada. Only 25 km of the previously mentioned
network, have pavement. Although there are not detailed inventories of the tertiary network, according
10
Acevedo, J. 2012. Análisis de la situación de salud de fronteras (ASIS) Vichada (Puerto Carreño, La
Primavera y Cumaribo. Disponible en:
http://www.minsalud.gov.co/sites/rid/Lists/BibliotecaDigital/RIDE/VS/ED/PSP/ASIS%20Vichada.pdf
11 Plan de salud pública. 2008. Plan municipal de salud pública de Puerto Carreño 2.008 – 2.011.
12 Municipio de Puerto Carreño. 2012. Plan de Desarrollo Municipal 2012-2015.
16
to the estimate of the National Roads Institute – (Instituto Nacional de Vías – INVÍAS), there are 1,463
km in Vichada. (Conpes, 2014 13). The maintenance of these kilometers of track is done slowly due to
low availability of resources of the municipality, and the lack of machinery.
In summer the trail has good conditions for the passage of vehicles, allowing the transit of the bus
service from Villavicencio to Puerto Carreño. The trading activity of the regional population and
regional supply generates a significant flow of heavy vehicles and passengers, through the roads of
integration with the Andean region. In winter predominates carrying capacity of rivers, but there is still
lack of ground transportation from their docks, that allows continuous and assured marketing. The
vehicle operating costs are high due to the poor conditions of changes and lengthy travel times, which
do not allow returns for producers but only in a few products 14.
Fluvial transport is an alternative in the winter time, however, there are deficiencies in the port
infrastructure. The commercial and administrative relationship with the towns of the region is
especially done throughout the Meta River.
G1.4. Define the boundaries of the Project Area where project activities aim to generate net climate
benefits and the Project Zone where project activities are implemented.
The Project area for the first instance, corresponds to the properties of La Pedregoza, El Toro,
Canapro, El Diamante and Horizonte Verde, located at the veredas Caño Negro, Aceito, La
Esperanza and Campo Alegre, in the of Puerto Carreño (see Project Boundary folder).
Table 3. Geodetic coordinates of the central point, within the nucleus.
Nucleus
Canapro
El Toro
Farm
Coordinate X
Coordinate Y
Bita
1,040,338.61
1,172,503.33
Caño Negro
1,033,726.78
1,145,425.19
La Esperanza
1,004,503.46
1,150,573.95
Las Maravillas
1,003,557.44
1,154,285.04
978,189.56
1,171,384.59
El Toro 1
978,216.79
1,168,405.35
1,038,893.26
1,163,248.50
El Diamante
992,586.52
1,134,837.61
El Sinaí
970,745.19
1,105,251.76
El Reflejo
968,276.26
1,106,465.08
La Fenicia
965,269.87
1,107,016.73
La Pedregoza
El Toro Sur
La Pedregoza
El Diamante
Nuevo Horizonte
National Council for Economic and Social Policy – CONPES. 2014. Policy for the integral development of the
Orinoco: Highland - Phase I. Available at:
https://colaboracion.dnp.gov.co/CDT/Conpes/Econ%C3%B3micos/3797.pdf
14
Municipal Center for Documentation and Information. Zoning scheme. Available at:
http://cdim.esap.edu.co/BancoMedios/Documentos%20PDF/diagnostico_pto_carre%C3%B1o_(59_pag_126_k
b).pdf
13
17
Nucleus
Farm
Coordinate X
Coordinate Y
San José
972,230.04
1,114,629.04
El Silencio
977,677.24
1,116,001.90
Pozo Azul
974,690.02
1,115,035.41
La Agonía
968,596.37
1,118,274.97
La Estaca
969,996.24
1,115,742.06
El Triunfo
983,664.04
1,114,753.83
La Payara
987,784.69
1,149,968.49
La concordia
986,765.04
1,115,441.17
Los Eucaliptos
965,479.28
1,116,924.84
El Pretesto
985,038.06
1,123,535.53
La Diversión
984,102.26
1,120,523.56
The project area has a total of 30,000 ha. The expansion area of the grouped project corresponds to
the savannas of the eastern plains of Colombia, in the Vichada's department.
G1.5. Explain the process of stakeholder identification and analysis used to identify Communities,
Community Groups and Other Stakeholders.
Stakeholders were identified with the help of the landowners who were responsible for summoning
the workers and their families, and other people present on neighboring farms. However, the
population living close to the properties is limited since most of the settlements are concentrated in
the urban area of the municipality of Puerto Carreño.
In addition, the environmental and governmental entities and organizations that have a potential
interest in the project were also identified.

Community
Workers of the farms
Table 4. Stakeholders: community
Rights
Interests
To develop in a laboral
environment that assures the
minimal conditions of welfare.
The livelihood of the actors
and their families depend
directly on the project activities
Opine, review, report and
suggest improvements in their
working environment.
Protect the community's
interests about the
development of projects that
Pertinence
Direct participation in the
project activities.
Direct and indirect receivers of
impacts of the project on
climate, biodiversity and
communities.
18
Rights
To be subject of training on
topics related to the project
activities.
Interests
Pertinence
impact directly or indirectly the
environmental, economic or
social conditions of the area of
influence.
To emit opinions concerning
the direct or indirect project
impacts on the community
interests.

Communitary group
Group of indigenous
Table 5. Stakeholders: communitary groups
Rights
To Develop in an environment
that assures the minimal
conditions of welfare.
To have equal rights to
participate and run for
employment opportunities in
their environment.

Interests
The livelihood of the actors
and their families depend
directly on the project
activities.
Pertinence
project activities
Other actors
Project owners
Table 6. Stakeholders: Project owners
Rights
To coordinate all the aspects
related to the project’s
implementation
Interests
Successfully conclude all
project activities and
proposals and to fully comply
with the objectives set in terms
of the climate components,
biodiversity and communities
Pertinence
project
Majoral office of the municipality of Puerto Carreño
Table 7. Stakeholders: Majoral office of the municipality of Puerto Carreño
Rights
Interests
Pertinence
19
Regulation of land use in the
project area.
Ensure compliance with
current regulations regarding
land use.
local authority in charge of the
plannification of the territory
where the project is taking
place
CORPORINOQUIA
Table 8. Stakeholders: Environmental authority
Rights
To Regulate the interventions
on associated ecosystems
and make sure about the
compliance of the
environmental regulations
related to the development of
projects.
Interests
Pertinence
Ensure the sustainable
development of their
jurisdiction starting from the
verification of compliance with
existing environmental
regulations for the different
interventions on ecosystems
and associated resources.
Local environmental authority
Project owners; Majoral office of the municipality of Puerto Carreño; CORPORINOQUIA 15; AGAF 16;
Parques Nacionales Naturales (PNN); Fundación Omacha; Fundación Orinoquia Bio Diversa;
Fundación Etnollano.
Rights
Interests
Contribute with knowledge
and experience in order to
improve the implementation of
the various project activities
Contribute from the generation
of knowledge to the economic,
social and environmental
development of the region.
Pertinence
Institutions with presence in
the project area that have
implemented projects
consistent with the regional
needs.
The stakeholders were called to attend the meetings via email correspondence, phone calls and
posting the invitation in the bulletin boards of the municipal office of Puerto Carreño (see Stakeholder
consultation folder).
G1.6. List all Communities, Community Groups and Other Stakeholders identified using the process


15
16
Communities:
Community Groups:
Workers of the farms
Group of indigenous
Regional autonomous corporation and environmental authority in the Orinoco Region.
Asociación Gremial Agroforestal Vichadense.
20

Other Stakeholders:
Project owners; Majoral office of the municipality of Puerto Carreño;
CORPORINOQUIA; AGAF; Parques Nacionales; Fundación Omacha; Fundación Orinoquia
Bio Diversa; Fundación Etnollano.
G1.7. Provide a map identifying the location of Communities and the boundaries of the Project
Area(s), of the Project Zone, including any High Conservation Value areas (identified in CM1 and B1),
and of additional areas that are predicted to be impacted by project activities identified in CL3, CM3
and B3.
Population living in the vicinity of the properties is limited, since most of the population is concentrated
in the municipality of Puerto Carreño (Figure 6). Due to the long distances that exists between the
urban settlements and the properties, workers live in camps located inside the farms; many of them
are also people from other regions who moved to the area to find a job.
Indigenous groups are located within the project zone but outside the boundary of the instance 1.
Figure 6. Project zone: Orinoquia region. Population centers (blue dots)
21
Figure 7. Project zone: Department of Vichada. Indigenous reservations. Source: SIGOT 2011 17.
Figure 8. Project area
The high conservation values in the project zone are the gallery forests and the morichales.
17
Geographic Information System for land planning. SIGOT. Avaliable at
http://sigotn.igac.gov.co/sigotn/EXPEDIENTE/PDF/Vichada_Resguardos_Negras_V2_2012_01_18.pdf?
22
Figure 9. High conservation values for the biodiversity in the project zone.
The ecosystems in the Orinoco region, significantly contribute to the country's natural wealth since
they meet basic ecological functions for the hydrological cycle of the basin. The ecosystems
morichales, gallery forests and wetlands were recognized such as environmentally fragile areas.
The project area consists of elements characteristic of savannas, forests and floodplains. Below is
the description of the main strategic environmental areas:
-
Lotic systems
The project zone has a great abundance of water, where water recharge is high, due to heavy rainfall
and the existence of forests, morichales, floodplain and other systems, which create different types
of landscapes formed in the micro-rivers The Cimarron and La Fortaleza, which feed the Caño Lolo
watershed.
In the savannas, the drainage pattern is parallel and the flows decrease in the summer time, but still,
these streams and morichales maintain a good flow, bringing its waters to Caño Lolo, which finally
discharges its waters into the Rio Tomo.
-
Estuaries, lagoons, morichales and floodplains
The morichales are basic constituents of flood zones, as they are a type of permanent lentic wetland
type, with vegetation cover composed primarily by individuals of the moriche palm. They usually are
located in streams, in swampy areas, and in transition zones between the savannas and gallery
forests. The main characteristics of this ecosystem is their large capacity to hold water during dry
seasons because of their high contents of organic matter. They also provide shelter and food for
mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and some fish (Corporinoquia, 2010).
G1.8. Briefly describe each project activity and the expected outputs, outcomes and impacts of the
activities identifying the causal relationships that explain how the activities will achieve the project’s
predicted climate, community and biodiversity benefits.
23
Project activities

Forest Reforestation and Restauration :
Every project owner has developed a sustainable forest management plan. These include
information about the technical aspects of reforestation as well as all procedures necessary
to prepare the land, germinate and cultivate the seedlings, transplant the trees, perform
regular maintenance, harvest and replant after harvest.

Monitoring:
A coherent monitoring plan for every area will be established and applied across all project
area. This monitoring plan includes monitoring for carbon stock changes as well as
community and biodiversity parameters. The carbon stock monitoring allows for ac curate
measurement of carbon capture in the reforestation project, project emissions and leakage.
The community monitoring will be carried out through surveys of project employees in order
to gauge the direct benefits of the project. For biodiversity monitoring, inventories will be
carried out of both flora and fauna found in the project area. These monitoring activities will
be realized in each verification year.

Capacitation and Education:
Continuous training and workshops are executed for each worker, according to the activities
established by the management plan. In addition, workshops about industrial safety are also
included.
Acacia mangium. Nucleus Horizonte Verde
E. pellita. Nucleus Horizonte Verde
24
P. caribaea. Nucleus Horizonte Verde
Ochroma piramydale
www.verarboles.com
http://floraelverde.catec.upr.edu/
P. oocarpa. Nucleus Horizonte Verde
Pachira quinata
www.saber.ula.ve
ambientejunin.blogspot.com
25
Acosmium nitens
Dipteryx panamensis
www.myreforestation.com
R. Aguilar
www.tree-nation.com
Figure 10. Used species in the project for reforestation and restauration activities.
Table 9. Native species used in the project for restauration activities.
Ochroma pyramidale
Pseudosamanea guachapele
Calophyllum lucidum
Rheedia madruno
Hymenaea courbaril
Jacaranda copaia
Hura crepitans
Parahancornia oblonga
Pachira quinata
Dipteryx panamensis
Copaifera aromatica
Calophyllum lucidum
Cassia moschata
Samanea saman
Swietenia macrophylla
Clorophora tinctoria
Cedrela odorata
Vochysia obscura
Acosmium nitens
Enterolobium cyclocarpum
Jacaranda obtusifolia
Anacardium occidentale
Anadenanthera peregrina
Ocotea cymbarum
26
Table 10 describes the expected outputs, outcomes and impacts of the activities and the project’s
predicted climate, community and biodiversity benefits.
27
Table 10. Expected benefits: climate, community and biodiversity, due to the project implementation.
Products
Results
Expected impacts
Expected benefits: climate, community
and biodiversity
Reforestation
and restoration
with introduced
and native
species.
Training courses, number
of trained people, number
of used species, number of
plants in field, planted area,
research on native species.
Revenues from the sale of carbon
credits, income from alternative
activities, increase of timber stocks,
increase of local and regional
employment, trained workers in
plantation
management,
publications and / or research
activities.
Restored areas with
native and
introduced tree
species
Climate: CO2 sequestration; Biodiversity:
Wildlife increase due to the restoration of
landscapes, soil and water conservation;
Community: increase of the employment,
development of family business, recreation
and tourism, revitalization of the economy.
Monitoring
Training courses in the
monitoring
of
climate,
communities
and
biodiversity, research on
plantations with native and
introduced species in the
region.
Additional income from the sale of
carbon credits, people trained in
monitoring climate, community and
biodiversity indicators, publications
and / or publications resulted from
the monitoring’s.
Increase
of
the
biodiversity in the
project
area,
improvement of the
life quality inside the
project area,
Climate: CO2 sequestration; Biodiversity
and Communities: quantitative and
qualifying studies about changes in the
biodiversity, climate and community over
the time.
People trained in the proper
management of forest plantations,
environmental
education
and
implementation of
sustainable
practices;
awareness
in
occupational safety and health.
People with practical
and
sustainable
actions in the project
area. People trained
in
forest
management. Social
empowerment.
Climate: CO2 sequestration. Sustainable
development of activities; Biodiversity:
increase
of
biodiversity
through
sustainable practices. Community: People
trained on each activity related to
sustainable forest management and
industrial safety and health to prevent
accidents and/or risks to the direct and
indirect staff.
Activity
Training and
education
Courses / workshops on
forest
management,
environmental education,
safety and health at work.
28
G1.9. Define the project start date and lifetime, and GHG accounting period and biodiversity and
community benefits assessment period if relevant, and explain and justify any differences between
them. Define an implementation schedule, indicating key dates and milestones in the project’s
development.
The Project start date is June 15th, 2011 18. For the current grouped project, the crediting period will
be of 30 years and 0 months. The period starts on June 15, 2011, and ends on June 14, 2041. There
are not differences between the start of the project and the crediting period.
New instances have not been yet included in the project to the date.
Risk Management and Long-term Viability
G1.10. Identify likely natural and human-induced risks to the expected climate, community and
biodiversity benefits during the project lifetime and outline measures needed and taken to mitigate
these risks.
No human-induced risks have been identified on climate, community and biodiversity, as the forest
plantings occurring on each instance, promote the sequestration of carbon dioxide and other air
pollutants and regulate the micro climates of each region. In addition, none communities live inside
the project areas or in places surrounding the farms, therefore there is minimal risks on affecting their
wellbeing in a negative way. Biodiversity will only be positive impacted by the plantings as the
establishment of forest promotes the creation of natural corridors a nd the return of previously
displaced fauna by the cattle and extensive pastures.
Natural risks



Risk of fires are common in the region especially during the dry season. However, the nuclei
have their own management plan for fires and diseases.
There have not been important attacks of pests and diseases inside the planted area.
Biological control, along with organic pesticides are used mostly to prevent outbreaks.
Chemical pesticides are also considered but they will be used only if necessary.
Unusual winds can be present during the dry season, but this does not means a risk for the
planted area. No harms or loss has occurred inside the planted area as a result of an extreme
weather.
Measures taken to mitigate risk of fire

Identification of critical sectors
18
On this date started the reforestation activities in the nucleus La Pedregoza. See support document: Annual
Planting Report, 2011. Finca La Pedregoza.
29




Training to the operating staff in preventive measures and how to act when fires occur. The
Asociación Gremial Agroforestal Vichadense (AGAF) supports the formation of volunteer
firefighters able to act quickly in case of a fire.
Development of firewall barriers.
As a replacement to the firewalls, is possible to establish a plant cover of fire retardant
species, herbaceous, dense and with succulent leaves. These plants should not dry out
during the months of highest probability of occurrence of fire.
Provide the right elements such as water tanks, hoses, extinguishers, blankets, etc.
Figure 11. Firewall barriers.
G1.11. Describe the measures needed and taken to maintain and enhance the climate, community
and biodiversity benefits beyond the project lifetime.
Among the main measures needed and taken to maintain and enhance the climate, community and
biodiversity benefits beyond the project lifetime, are:
-
Species planted have previously proven to be adapted to the agro-ecological conditions of
the project (see sections B2.5 and B2.6).
-
No ongoing enforcement or disputes have raised now or in the past, related to the protection
of the planting area, as there are none communities living close to the project area. In addition
the farms are delimited by strong fences, and is well designed and properly marked as private
land. Most of the staff, remains permanently in the project area, and there is permanent
vigilance executed by one designed person.
-
Management teams include individuals con significant experience in all skills necessary to
perform the duties related to the planting of the selected species, and also experience in staff
30
management, human resources, among others. Records of the experience can be found in
the supporting documents (see NPRT 19 folder).
-
Project is protected by legally binding commitment to continue management practices that
protect the credited carbon stocks over the length of the project crediting period 20.
-
Because the financial profitability projected (see G1.12), it is expected that strong
commitment will also be generated in the community and investors to continue management
practices that protect the credited carbon stocks over the length of the project crediting
period.
-
All communities and actors directly involved and affected by the project, have been consulted
and records of the consultation can be found in the supporting documents (see Stakeholder
consultation).
G1.12. Demonstrate that financial mechanisms adopted, including actual and projected revenues
from GHG emissions reductions or removals and other sources, provide an adequate actual and
projected flow of funds for project implementation and to achieve the project’s climate, community
and biodiversity benefits.
Description of the project finance will be done for each instance as each one has its own finance
structure depending on the species and the planted area (see NPRT folder). In general:
Each owner (farm) has secured 40% to less than 80% of funding needed to cover the total cash out
required before the project reaches breakeven.
Project has available as callable financial resources at least 50% of total cash out before project
reaches breakeven.
G1.13. Specify the Project Area(s) and Communities that may be included under the programmatic
approach, and identify any new Project Area(s) and Communities that have been included in the
project since the last validation or verification against the CCB Standards.
Project areas that may be included, should be located in the region of the eastern plains of Colombia,
in coverages of degraded savannas. All owners and communities who meet the eligibility criteria
specified below (G1.14), may be part of the project; in the case of community groups, farmers,
partners or other authorities, these should be organized under some form of association.
New instances have not been yet included in the project to the date.
19
20
VCS Non-Permanence Risk and supports for all the nuclei.
See commitment letters
31
G1.14. Specify the eligibility criteria and process for project expansion under the programmatic
approach and demonstrate that these have been met for any new Project Areas and Communities
that have been included in the project since the last validation or verification against the CCB
Standards.
Eligibility criteria:






Covers of degraded savannahs.
Operational capacity of the operator
Demonstrate proper environmental practices consistent with the silvicultural requirements of
the species planted
Demonstrate that the project promotes gender equity and that do not incur in any kind
discrimination
Unrestricted species and arrangements
Establishment of baseline conditions of the project in order to identify and quantify the social
and biodiversity benefits of the implemented activities.
It is expected that the expansion of the project will occur during the monitoring and verification of the
previously validated instances. Meaning that at the time of the first project's monitoring, it may be
possible to validate other instances, that comply with the eligibility, additio nality and baseline
conditions.
New instances have not been yet included in the project.
G1.15. Establish scalability limits if applicable, and describe measures needed and taken to address
any risks to climate, community and biodiversity benefits if the project expands beyond those limits.
The scalability of the project is limited to the savannas of the eastern plains of Colombia. Each owner
is responsible for performing management activities and ensuring the sustainability of the plantations
as well as the monitoring.
Risks associated with the non-continuation of benefits, will be minimized by involving areas with
owners committed to the project objectives and that meet the eligibility criteria.
G2. Without-project Land Use Scenario and Additionality
G2.1. Describe the most likely land-use scenario within the Project Zone in the absence of the project,
describing the range of potential land-use scenarios and the associated drivers of land use changes
and justifying why the land-use scenario selected is most likely. It is allowable for different locations
within the Project Zone to have different without-project land use scenarios.
The land within the project boundary is degraded grassland for all cases of the grouped instances,
as they all occur in the same department and municipality. Such grasslands have historically been
32
subject to burning activities that took place with the objective to reduce tree covers and expand
grasslands in order to develop extensive cattle ranching activities. However, all instances conserve
remnants of gallery forest and natural areas as shown in the following aerial photograph ( Figure 12).
This landscape corresponds to the land prior to the project start date, for the case La Pedregoza
farm.
Figure 12. Aerial photograph of the Pedregoza farm, in the municipality of Puerto Carreño 21.
It is evident in the last image, that within the project boundary (shaped with yellow dots), only
degraded areas existed, but also some patches of natural forest bordering the main water streams.
However, the dominant cover are the grasslands.
21
Photo taken by the project owner prior starting the project activities.
33
Figure 13. Photograph of the farm Toro 1 taken before the project start date 22.
On the other hand, the instance of Reforestadora El Toro, took the last photo, prior to the project start
date, in order to evidence the lack of natural forest and the presence of degraded and extensive
grasslands. Few isolated trees could be found in the project area, but none of them were classified
as endangered.
Considering the “Tool for the demonstration and assessment of additionality in VCS agriculture,
forestry and other land use (AFOLU) project activities Version 3.0 23” the identified alternative land
uses in absence of the VCS forestry proposal are:


Cattle farming
Forest plantations (without being registered as a carbon project)
Table 11. Potential land-use scenarios in the project zone and project area
Land use
Cattle farming
Justification

Is the ancestral most widespread form of land use in the project zone 24, 25,
and the department of Vichada has more than 138,000 heads of cattle 26,
with an average of 0,3 head of cattle per ha 27.
22
Photo taken by the Project coordinator Luis Miguel Navarro in July 15th of 2012.
http://www.v-c-s.org/sites/v-c-s.org/files/VT0001%20VCS%20AFOLU%20Additionality%20Tool%20v3.0.pdf
24 Pacheco et al., 2014. Manejo Forestal Sostenible en plantaciones en la cuenca del rio Bita, Vichada,
Colombia.
25
Andrade et al. 2009. La mejor Orinoquia que podemos construir.
26 Gobernación del Vichada 2011. Plan vial Departamental Vichada 2011-2019.
27 CONPES 3797, 2014. Política para el Desarrollo Integral de la Orinoquia: Altillanura - Fase I.
23
34
Land use
Justification



Forest

plantations
(without
being
registered as a
carbon project)

The beef cattle’s farming has been a historical adaptation to the
communities’ culture and to the conditions of regional ecosystems. Cattle’s
farming is done by 90% on land with that kind of vocation, while cultivated
areas occupy 32% of the land with agricultural potential. In 2008, 9.75
million hectares held a stock of 5,727,131 cattle heads, in the region
equivalent to 21.3% of the national total (26,877,824 head) 28. About the
production value and its value-added component, it is estimated that cattle
farming represents 3.6% of the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a
significant percentage for an individual activity and especially for a rural
activity in the country. This activity also represents 27% of the GDP in the
agricultural sector and 64% of the livestock sector at the national level 29.
The firsts instances are located in the municipality of Puerto Carreño, close
to the Bita’s river. Among the main economic activities present along the
Bita’s basin (like the rest of the municipality), are the extensive cattle
ranching and the agriculture 30, constituting the second largest source of
employment followed by the state jobs 31.
This land use is legal and enforced by mandatory applicable laws and
regulations in Colombia and Orinoco’s region (project zone) 32.
Colombia has a huge potential to develop commercial reforestation
programs (around 17 million of hectares suitable for forestry plantations
establishment distributed in different regions of the country 33). This country
benefits from excellent climatic, geographic and topographic conditions for
tree growth, and has the potential for forest plantations and also possesses
the necessary geostrategic conditions to potentiate foreign trade, especially
with the increase of treaties for free trade signed during the last 10 years 34.
For over 30 years, there have been trials of forest plantations in the high
plains in the Orinoco region 35, but until now only very few, mainly non-native
species have been promoted in the country such as Eucalyptus pellita, E.
tereticornis, Pinus caribea, Pinus oocarpa, and Anacardium occidentale.
Corporinoquia, Universidad de los Andes, The National Corporation for
Forestry Research and Development of Colombia (CONIF), the Colombian
Corporation for Agricultural Research (CORPOICA), the International
28
Universidad Nacional de Colombia. 2013. Caracterización Región Orinoquía.
Cuenca et al. 2008. El sector de ganadería bovina en Colombia. Aplicación de modelos de series de tiempo
al inventario ganadero.
Colombia.
31 Municipio de Puerto Carreño, 2012. Plan de Desarrollo Puerto Carreño 2012-2015.
32 See Plan de Desarrollo del Vichada 2012 – 2015 and Plan Estratégico de la Ganadería Colombiana 2019
(PEGA 2019).
33 MICT, 2009. Invierta en Colombia. Trabajo, compromiso, ingenio.
34
Departamento Nacional de Planeación, 2015. COLOMBIA: Potencial de Reforestación Comercial.
35 MADR, IICA. 2005. La cadena forestal y madera en Colombia una mirada global de su estructura y dinámica
1991-2005.
29
35
Land use
Justification


Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), and the Gaviotas Research Center
have carried out research on the silviculture of this species 36.
The increase of the forestry activity has also been present in the
municipality of Puerto Carreño in recent years, with the establishment of
introduced tree species such as the Acacia, Eucalyptus and Pine,
registering 3,247 ha planted in 2012 37. On the other hand, according al
Ministerio de Agricultura, forest plantations composed by only foreign
species, are being supported by national regulations that attempt to finance
forestry projects through the forestry incentive certificate (CIF). In 2012, the
municipality of Puerto Carreño counted with 49 CIF registering, covering an
area of 9,179 hectares all covered by introduced tree species, including
Pinus caribea, Acacia mangium, Tectona grandis, Gmelina arborea, and
Eucalyptus pellita 38.
This land use is legal and enforced by mandatory applicable laws and
regulations in Colombia and Orinoco’s region (project zone) 39.
G2.2. Document that project benefits including climate, co mmunity and biodiversity benefits would
not have occurred in the absence of the project, explaining how existing laws, regulations and
governance arrangements, or lack of laws and regulations and their enforcement, would likely affect
land use and justifying that the benefits being claimed by the project are truly ‘additional’ and would
not have occurred without the project. Identify any distinct climate, community and biodiversity
benefits intended for use as offsets and specify how additionality is established for each of these
benefits.
Despite the aspects previously mentioned, forest activities in the region face the following barriers:
Investment barrier

17 million of hectares are identified in Colombia with potential to establish commercial forest
plantation, however only 253,066 hectares (1.5%) have been planted 40. WWF, 2015
concluded that 80% of wood and wood products are derived from the exploitation of natural
forests, given that commercial reforestation is neither economically attractive nor
consolidated as a profitable activity 41.
36
Andrade et al. 2009. La mejor Orinoquia que podemos construir.
Municipio de Puerto Carreño, 2012. Plan de Desarrollo Puerto Carreño 2012-2015.
Colombia.
39 See Law 139 from 1994; National Plan of forestry development (2000); Law 1377 from 2010; Resolution
number 200.41-11.1130 from 2011, among others.
40
MICT, 2009. Invierta en Colombia. Trabajo, compromiso, ingenio.
41 WWF, 2015. Informe: causas de la ilegalidad de la madera en Colombia un estudio sobre los flujos del
comercio de la madera, los actores y los impactos de la tala ilegal.
37
36




The very low level of economic activity in the commercial forestry sector is attributed to
several factors, among them: low rates of return, the high number of intermediaries 42, long
production cycle, long periods between cash flow disbursements, high concentration of costs
in the first years of production, long wait for economic returns and difficulties in obtaining
bank credits for these types of activities 43,44.
There are no commercial bank lines of credit 45 for long-term investments such as
reforestation projects 46. Banks perceive the investment risk for this type of project as very
high due to market limitations, the lack of cash flow, and the long wait for a return on the
investment 47. There are multilateral banking credit sources, but processing is quite complex.
About 90% of commercial reforestations are supported by incentives and tax benefits given
by the government. These incentives are not enough to stimulate the reforestation
adequately. For example, the government created a risk capital in the Fund for Agricultural
Financing- Finagro (with more than 30,000 million COP) to invest directly in the commercial
forestry sector, however only 514 million COP 48 were used for forestry projects (0.99%) 49.
Further, the level of the incentive is relatively low in terms of the positive externalities
generated by reforestation and the high opportunity cost associated with other uses of the
land. Second, government deficits often abort the supply of the incentive, even when projects
have been approved to receive it 50. There is no appropriate information to identify the
effectiveness of incentives and it is not possible to determine the real impacts over investors.
If a project receives the CIF, it must decline the right to get more incentives or tax exemptions
that law gives for forestry sector 51.
Infrastructure barrier (routes of transportation)

In general, the departments of the Orinoco region have remained isolated from the rest of the
country due to a lack of access by land routes. Infrastructure is thus one of the factors that
have disadvantaged the development of the country’s forestry potential. On one hand, there
is a tremendous lack of highways and railways in areas with forest resources, and on the
other hand the nearby rivers are not, or not sufficiently navigable or they do not connect
towards centers of consumption. Transportation costs represent 34% of the value of forest
products in the market 52.
42
WWF, 2014. Datos básicos y elementos de contexto sobre el sector Forestal en Colombia.
C. (2004): Sector forestal Colombiano; fuente de vida, trabajo y bienestar. Serie de documentación
no. 50. Corporación nacional de Investigación y Fomento Forestal (CONIF), Bogotá.
44 CONIF y FAO, 2004. Análisis del Mercado Crediticio para el Sector Forestal Colombiano.
45 CONIF y FAO, 2004 conclude that in Colombia we have no lines of credit that can be called forestry credit
lines, with the exception of two very limited lines from the Banco Agrario (a state Bank) which specifically li mit
activities to “plantation and maintenance” and “harvest of trees” but are not focused to reforestation activities.
46 Aldana, C. (2004): Sector forestal Colombiano; fuente de vida, trabajo y bienestar. Serie de documentación
no. 50. Corporación nacional de Investigación y Fomento Forestal (CONIF), Bogotá.
47 FAO, 2006. Tendencias y perspectivas del sector forestal en América Latina Documento de Trabajo.
Informe Nacional Colombia. Available at: http://www.fao.org/docrep/009/a0470s/a0470s00.htm
48 Currently about 183,000 USD
49 Marín, 2010. Financiación forestal, estímulos y exenciones.
50
Marín, 2010. Financiación forestal, estímulos y exenciones.
51 Marín, 2010. Financiación forestal, estímulos y exenciones.
52 Refocosta, 2007. Comercialización de Madera en Colombia y sus oportunidades.
43Aldana,
37
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
A large percentage of forestry products in the Colombian market is transported by roads,
which is a negative factor given its high costs. According to the calculations of
CORMAGDALENA, the cost of transportation by waterway is nine times lower than roads.
The poor transportation infrastructure constitutes a costly constraint to the project activity
because it hinders and prevents displacement of personnel, increases the costs of all
silvicultural practices and timber harvesting, and increases the travel time of all access
routes.
According to the observed on field, transportation is very difficult especially during rainy
seasons as the current roads, have been created by the cars themselves and they tend to
flood and collapse in winter. Only full-equipped cars can move on the roads of the area. As
exposed in Table 12, only 10.44 of roads have been paved and 386 kilometers are dirt packed
road (unpaved road) within the department.
Table 12. Kilometers of roads in the Department of Vichada
Classification of
Dirt packed
Paved road
Dirt road
Total
Roadway
road
Primary way
9.3
60.95
15.70
85.95
Secondary way
1.14
298.32
1,263.21
1,562.67
Terciary way
27.40
1,007.17
1,034.57
TOTAL
10.44
386.67
2,286.08
2,683.19
Source: Secretaria de Planeación y Desarrollo Territorial del Vichada, tomado de Gobernación del
Vichada 2011.


According to the zoning study for forest plantations with commercial purposes in Colombia
(UPRA, 2015), despite that the departments of Vichada and Meta have large surfaces for
commercial forestry activities, the aptitude for this activity is low (dominant aptitude,
according to the stablished classification). This qualification is attributed to the lack of road
infrastructure and logistics in forestry, as well as soil limitations and ecosystemic restrictions,
issues that affect the development of competitive markets 53.
The project owner has to invest in infrastructure or in the maintenance of the existent roads
to reach the plantations area and transport any equipment, materials, technology and tools
needed for the work. These adverse conditions represent an important barrier that must be
overcome by the technical team to guarantee the competitiveness in the national and
international markets.
Social barriers

The few communities that inhabit the project area do not have experience in reforestation.
Their economic activity is based primarily subsistence farming and subsistence fishing. There
is no local supply of labor with experience in forestry, so training is more costly and skilled
labor must be paid a higher wage to move them from other regions of the country to this
53
Unidad de planificación de tierras rurales, adecuación de tierras y usos agropecuarios, UPRA, 2015.
Zonificación para plantaciones forestales con fines comerciales – Colombia.
38


remote region, mostly from regions such as Cordoba, Meta, Antioquia, and Boyacá. The
population density in the department of Vichada is very low (1.8 inhabitants per km 2) and
therefore insufficient to supply the labor requirements of the project activity.
The project owner has to recognize all these obstacles and has to overcome these technical
barriers. Part of the capacity work could be financed by the income of the carbon credits.
Forestry plantations in the region of Puerto Carreño, commonly lack of financial and technical
planning as they have not clarity in relation to the markets, species, forestry development,
sustainable use of soils, and more important, they did not have clarity about their objecti ves
of production, among others. Which means that in most cases, activities are being
coordinated by people without professional or technical background in forestry in addition to
the lack of technical assistance from the local authority CORPORINOQUIA. Aro und 80% of
the projects being executed in the municipality, don’t have knowledge or experience in areas
related to ecosystem services and they don’t count with formal procedures related to
industrial safety, waste management or labor regulations (Pacheco et al., 2014).
Due to these conditions, most of the planted area in the project zone has been developed without
following technical procedures and methodologies avoiding the full development of this sector.
Unplanned harvesting, poor growth of species, lack of interest about the conservation of natural
resources are among the main characteristic of these areas 54.
On the other hand, extensive cattle farming does not face any of the identified barriers. For example,
if there are not investors even private or public, cattle ranching becomes the most popular activities,
as it requires in most cases, only money to obtain the animals.
The proposed project activity aims to change the current land use to reforestation, and plant about
8,000 ha in the remote region of the Orinoco, where the dominant economic and cultural activity has
been and continues to be extensive cattle ranching. Financial revenues from carbon sequestration
will help investors to offset the risks of investing in the area and the high costs of acc essing distant
markets for the future sale of timber. The sale of certificates of emission reduction is part of the main
sources of additional income to the project and it will allow reaching the expected biodiversity and
social benefits previously mentioned (see G1.8).
G3. Stakeholder Engagement
Access to information
G3.1. Describe how full project documentation has been made accessible to Communities and Other
Stakeholders, how summary project documentation (including how to access full documentation) has
been actively disseminated to Communities in relevant local or regional languages, and how widely
publicized information meetings have been held with Communities and Other Stakeholders.
Three sessions for stakeholder consultation were carried out in Puerto Carreño, in order to explain
the main goals and expected impacts of the project as well as obtain community perceptions and key
aspects in improving the design of the project.
54
Pacheco et al., 2014. Manejo Forestal Sostenible en plantaciones en la cuenca del rio Bita, Vichada, Colombia.
39
During the local consultation the aspects of climate change and carbon markets were addressed by
providing information and general concepts in simple language that could be understood by all
participants. Furthermore, the presentation of the project included the description of the instances
considered for the first validation, as well as the strengths of each one, and general aspects such as
the area, planted species, forest conservation, among others.
Figure 14. Stakeholder consultation.
The documentation and information regarding the project was made available to the community
through the following mechanisms:






At the beginning of each meeting, participants received a summary sheet of the project for
them to understand the project (Figure 14).
During the meetings aspects related to forest carbon projects, specific project activities and
participants were explained (see Stakeholder Consultation Report).
There were question and answer sessions after the talks. The questions of the participants
were resolved and all observations were heard and taken into consideration (Stakeholder
Consultation Report).
The information provided, included contacts (phone number and email) of the people in
charge of the project documentation (project developers), in order to give the attendants, the
possibility to permanently communicate their concerns or comments.
At the end of the local consultation, attendees were informed about the process to follow up
on questions, concerns and / or comments raised at the workshops; which consist in
incorporate the relevant comments to the design of the project development.
Once the project document is ready, it will be published on the website of the CCB for public
comments.
40
G3.2. Explain how relevant and adequate information about potential costs, risks and benefits to
Communities has been provided to them in a form they understand and in a timely manner prior to
any decision they may be asked to make with respect to participation in the project.
In addition to the topics mentioned above, during the local consultation were analyzed the possible
impacts that the project might have on individual or collective actors in terms of economic, social and
biodiversity aspects. This analysis was performed through the use questions, comments and opinions
regarding to the exposed topics. The result of the evaluation, assigned to each impact a rating of
positive, negative or neutral according to the effect on the quality of life of each participant (see
Stakeholder Consultation Report).
Figure 15. Impact assessment exercise during the local consultation
G3.3. Describe the measures taken, and communications methods used, to explain to Communities
and Other Stakeholders the process for validation and/or verification against the CCB Standards by
an independent Auditor, providing them with timely information about the Auditor’s site visit before
the site visit occurs and facilitating direct and independent communication between them or their
representatives and the Auditor.
During the local consultation, all participants were informed about the validation and registry process
while pointing out that an external auditor (a validation and verification body) who visits the area of
influence executes this process, interacts with stakeholders, evaluates the project information and
issues a report of the evaluation.
Referring to the project owners, Fundación Natura (as project proponent) has maintained constant
and direct communication with the current project owners (instance 1), in order to give the guidelines
and clarity aspects related to the project cycle, including validation, registration and project
monitoring.
41
Consultation
G3.4. Describe how Communities including all the Community Groups and Other Stakeholders have
influenced project design and implementation through Effective Consultation, particular ly with a view
to optimizing Community and Other Stakeholder benefits, respecting local customs, values and
institutions and maintaining high conservation values. Project proponents must document
consultations and indicate if and how the project design and implementation has been revised based
on such input. A plan must be developed and implemented to continue communication and
consultation between the project proponents and Communities, including all the Community Groups,
and Other Stakeholders about the project and its impacts to facilitate adaptive management
throughout the life of the project.
Through local consultations, were assessed the possible impacts of the project and the perceptions
of stakeholders were identified (see Registro de Percepciones file).
So far, the design and implementation project have not been modified, as the comments received do
not affect the design of the project (see Registro de Percepciones file).
The plan to maintain continuous communication with communities includes a communication channel
that addresses possible suggestions and complaints, training activities, dissemination of monitoring
reports achievements, etc.
42
Figure 16. Community perception exercise regarding the project.
G3.5. Demonstrate that all consultations and participatory processes have been undertaken directly
with Communities and Other Stakeholders or through their legitimate representatives, ensuring
adequate levels of information sharing with the members of the groups.
The stakeholders identified were invited to report and comment in reference to the project
implementation through local consultations. The invitation to these events was conducted
electronically and addressed to various governmental and nongovernmental organizations such as
Corporinoquia, AGAF, Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia and others like Fundación
Omacha, Fundación Orinoquía Diversa and Fundación Etnollano. Furthermore, the invitation was
printed and posted in the bulletin boards of the municipal office of Puerto Carreño. In Addition,
coordinators of each nucleus reported and provided technical assistance to the meetings.
To facilitate the participation of all stakeholders, three meetings were organized: one for the urban
area, where attendants represented mainly the stakeholders of the project zone; and two in the rural
areas, where the attendants were the neighbors of the properties and the workers of each farm (see
Registro de Asistencia file).
a
b
c
43
Figure 17. Local consultations. one for the urban area (a), where attendants represented mainly
the stakeholders of the project zone; and two in the rural areas (b and c), where the attendants
were the neighbors of the properties and the workers of each farm.
Participation in decision-making and implementation
G3.6. Describe the measures needed and taken to enable effective participation, as appropriate, of
all Communities, including all the Community Groups, that want and need to be i nvolved in project
design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation throughout the project lifetime, and describe how
they have been implemented in a culturally appropriate and gender sensitive manner.
The necessary measures to facilitate the participation are:




Local consultations, where the participation of as many people as possible was encouraged.
In addition, contact information was provided for future consultations. Participants were
allowed to present their comments anonymously, in order to feel free when expressing their
disagreements.
The constant monitoring guarantees the participation of communities and the reassessment
of goals and objectives during the development of the project.
Plans for the dissemination of information (design document, monitoring reports, etc.). The
publication of the results, allows the stakeholders to remain updated about the project status,
in order to ensure that their participation is effective when required.
Plans for conflict resolution (see G3.8) and training sessions, facilitate and promote the
understanding and participation of employees.
All these measures have been and will continue to be implemented without gender discrimination and
respecting the cultural customs of the stakeholders.
Anti-Discrimination
G3.7. Describe the measures needed and taken to ensure that the project proponent and all other
entities involved in project design and implementation are not involved in or complicit in any form of
discrimination or sexual harassment with respect to the pro ject.
Both the project proponent and the project owner have excellent reputation and are not involved in or
complicit in any form of discrimination or sexual harassment with respect to the project.
The community involvement in the project has been inclusive, according to individual capabilities and
independent of gender, cultural identity and religion. Recruiting managers have as a principle employ
qualified and reliable staff whose skills are in line with the requirements and objectives of the project,
through technical, transparent and non-discriminatory procedures based on merit and excellence.
Feedback and Grievance Redress Procedure
44
G3.8. Demonstrate that a clear grievance redress procedure has been formalized to address disputes
with Communities and Other Stakeholders that may arise during project planning, implementation
and evaluation with respect but not limited to, Free, Prior and Informed Consent, rights to lands,
territories and resources, benefit sharing, and participation. The project shall i nclude a process for
receiving, hearing, responding to and attempting to resolve Grievances within a reasonable time
period. The Feedback and Grievance Redress Procedure shall take into account traditional methods
that Communities and Other Stakeholders use to resolve conflicts.
For being in constant contact with the community and workers, field technicians are the first
responsible for responding to requests from the community. According to the internal procedures of
each company (in each nucleus), the technician must climb the observation to the area of human
resources and must address the affected to a discussion room, in order to handle the complaint.
On the other hand, managers of each nucleus, maintain constant contact with the institutions and
project leaders, in order to verify that externally, the project operations are not negatively impacting
the surrounding communities.
Worker Relations
G3.9. Describe measures needed and taken to provide orientation and training for the project’s
workers and relevant people from the Communities with an objective of building locally useful skills
and knowledge to increase local participation in project implementation. These capacity building
efforts should target a wide range of people in the Communities, with special attention to women and
vulnerable and/or marginalized people. Identify how training is passed on to new workers when there
is staff turnover, so that local capacity will not be lost.
All nucleus execute training activities to the staff. In particular, priority has been given to the following
training strategies:
Canapro: The project has designed training plans for the staff. The topics are varied, and included
aspects related to the specific work, dynamic and needs of the project, personal growth, among
others.
La Pedregoza: Trainings were executed on snake venom, pruning, fertilization and natural
silviculture. Quarterly trainings are executed to new employees about organic fertilization.
In addition, every six months are executed trainings about general issues including prevention and
control of fires, first aid and waste management. Currently new trainings are being planned on
occupational hazards and occupational health.
El Diamante: This instance trains workers in different activities, becoming a different alternative for
land use (forest culture).
El Toro: They train technicians and forest workers in upgrade courses about management and
prevention in the use of forestry tools, industrial safety, handling and use of protective clothing, first
aid, handling of materials, mineral, non-mineral and organic waste, assessments and periodically
reminders about the degree of learning in different subjects, among others.
45
In addition, the project proponents receive permanent support from AGAF, an association that will
implement the system of monthly trainings for the Vichada's region, which will include topics such as
first aid, use of heavy machinery, hazardous waste and more. As part of these activities, AGAF is
preparing certificates for each type of training in the field of industrial safety and occupational health,
that are going to be distributed among the attendants. Certificates will be attached to the resumes to
support the worker's experience and they will also serve to mitigate occupational hazards of the
employer.
G3.10. Demonstrate that people from the Communities are given an equal opportunity to fill all work
positions (including management) if the job requirements are met. Explain how workers are selected
for positions and where relevant, describe the measures needed and taken to ensure Community
members, including women and vulnerable and/or marginalized people, are given a fair chance to fill
positions for which they can be trained.
For hiring staff, recruiting managers verify that the person meets the hiring profile established for the
vacant position, without any discrimination of age, sex, marital status, ethnicity, social status or
religious convictions, political ideas and / or sexual orientation. It is not allowed to employ under -age
young people (18 for Colombia).
To fulfill their responsibilities, the recruiting managers is responsible for integrating and managing
confidential personnel information, verify information provided and drawing up contracts. Once hired,
the staff goes through a trial period.
For the selection of officials, the human resources team will have the principle to find qualified and
reliable staff whose skills are in line with the requirements and objectives of the company, through
technical, transparent and non-discriminatory procedures, based on merits and excellence.
G3.11. Submit a list of all relevant laws and regulations covering worker’s rights in the host country.
Describe measures needed and taken to inform workers about their rights. Provide assurance that
the project meets or exceeds all applicable laws and/or regulations covering worker rights and, where
relevant, demonstrate how compliance is achieved.
Colombia has ratified international conventions that protect the welfare and rights of workers 55.
Among these, the ILO (International Labour Organization) Conventions highlights the following as
fundamental conventions:



Agreement for Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise, 1948 (num.
87).
Agreement about the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining, 1949 (num. 98).
Agreement about forced labour, 1930 (num. 29).
Organización Internacional del Trabajo –OIT-. 2005. Derechos Fundamentales en el Trabajo – Colombia.
http://www.oit.org.pe/WDMS/bib/publ/libros/derechos_fundamentales_colombia.pdf
55
46





Agreement about Abolition of Forced labor, 1957 (num. 105).
Agreement about Minimum Age, 1973 (num. 138).
Agreement about the Worst Forms of Child Labour, 1999 (num. 182).
Agreement about Equal Remuneration, 1951 (num. 100).
Agreement about Discrimination (Employment and Occupation), 1958 (num. 111).
Additionally, Colombia has a labour code, which aims to achieve justice in the relations arising
between employers and workers, under a spirit of economic coordination and social balance. All hiring
processes that occur inside the project are governed by the labour code, in addition to the internal
quality system that has processes and procedures associated with the management of human
resources.
As mentioned before, all workers have a contract, in which its duties, rights and laws that protect
them are reported.
G3.12. Comprehensively assess situations and occupations that might arise through the
implementation of the project and pose a substantial risk to worker safety. Describe measures needed
and taken to inform workers of risks and to explain how to minimize such risks. Where worker safety
cannot be guaranteed, project proponents must show how the risks are minimized using best work
practices in line with the culture and customary practices of the communities.
The only activities that endanger workers are those related to logging, due to the use of dangerous
machinery that require qualified personnel and basic supplies and uniforms to prevent accidents.
All farms have the tools, uniforms and necessary equipment to prevent accidents of workers while
performing activities on field.
None of the farms have conducted yet logging activities that involve handling dangerous machinery.
By the time these activities are planned, training sessions will take place, in order to provide the
workers, information and practical exercises to make them expert (see G3.9).
G4. Management Capacity
G4.1. Describe the project’s governance structures, and roles and responsibilities of all the entities
involved in project design and implementation. For projects using a programmatic approach, identify
any new entities included in the project since the last validation or verification against the CCB
Standards.
Project Proponent:

56
Fundación Natura through the Agreement No. 02 of 2015 56, Fundación Natura established
an alliance with the landowners and project owners, in order to co-finance and collaborate
Agreement No. 02 of 2015. Fundación Natura
47
with the development of the project design for carbon markets and eventually with other
related activities. The owners and legal representatives of the first instance agreed that
Funación Natura could act as project proponent, as they move towards the establishment of
a formal figure that represents the project 57.
Project owners





Cooperativa Casa Nacional del Profesor-Canapro
Plantación Amazonia El Vita S.A.S.
Unión Temporal Agroindustria Horizonte Verde
Ecoforestal de Colombia
Reforestadora El Toro
Besides being the owners of the land where the first instance of the project is taking place, these
companies are responsible for the administration, implementation of operational tasks, monitoring
and harvesting of the planted areas.
Project developers


South Pole Carbon Asset Management SAS
Centro de Investigación Carbono & Bosques
Elaborate and oversee the development of appropriate project design and monitoring techniques in
line with the guidelines of the VCS and CCBS.
New instances have not been yet included in the project.
G4.2. Document key technical skills required to implement the project successfully, including
community engagement, biodiversity assessment and carbon measurement and monitoring skills.
Document the management team’s expertise and prior experience implementing land management
and carbon projects at the scale of this project. If relevant experience is lacking, the proponents must
either demonstrate how other organizations are partnered with to support the project or have a
recruitment strategy to fill the gaps.
Fundación Natura have been interested in generating spaces for environmental research, sustainable
land use planning and mitigation of carbon emissions. They have promoted tools and incentives for
land conservation, policymaking, the creation of protected areas and the integrated management of
watersheds. Therefore, Fundación Natura has a solid experience and capacity to leader the project 58.
57
58
Commitment letters landowners
Detailed information of the entity can be found at www.natura.org.co/
48
The project owners and management teams include individuals con significant experience in all skills
necessary to perform the duties related to the planting of the selected species, and also experience
in staff management, human resources, among others.
The team of the project developer group (South Pole Carbon and Carbono & Bosques) has a large
and very important experience related to carbon markets and AFOLU projects, nationally e
internationally 59.
G4.3. Document the financial health of the implementing organization(s). Provide assurance that the
Project Proponent and any of the other entities involved in project design and implementation are not
involved in or are not complicit in any form of corruption such as bribery, embezzlement, fraud,
favoritism, cronyism, nepotism, extortion, and collusion, and describe any measures needed and
taken to be able to provide this assurance.
A comprehensive online search was performed and as a result, there are no reports that demonstrate
that the Project Participants (project proponent, project owners and project developers) are involved
or complicit in any form of corruption. Similarly, the various project participants and professionals
linked to Fundación Natura, Cooperativa Casa Nacional del Profesor-Canapro, Plantación Amazonia
El Vita S.A.S., Unión Temporal Agroindustria Horizonte Verde, Ecoforestal de Colombia,
Reforestadora El Toro, South Pole Carbon and Carbono & Bosques, report no judicial, disciplinary or
tax records in the databases of the Colombia's National Police, the General Attorney and the
Comptroller General's Office. Such proofs are available for public consultation.
G5. Legal Status and Property Rights
Respect for rights to lands, territories and resources, and Free, Prior and Informed Consent
G5.1. Describe and map statutory and customary tenure/use/access/management rights to lands,
territories and resources in the Project Zone including individual and collective rights and including
overlapping or conflicting rights. If applicable, describe measures needed and taken by the project to
help to secure statutory rights. Demonstrate that all Property Rights are recognized, respected, and
supported.
Proof of Title
There are not ongoing or unresolved disputes or conflicts regarding land. Even though that historically
this area had been influenced by armed conflict, today such illegal or armed organizations do no play
an important role inside the project area as they are being controlled by the national government.
The proof of title documentation ca be found on the attached document information (see Proof of title
folder).
59
Detailed information of these companies can be found at www.thesouthpolegroup.com and
www.carbonoybosques.org.
49
G5.2. Demonstrate with documented consultations and agreements that
a. the project will not encroach uninvited on private property, community property, or government
property,
b. the Free, Prior, and Informed Consent has been obtained of those whose property rights are
affected by the project through a transparent, agreed process.
c. appropriate restitution or compensation has been allocated to any parties whose lands have
been or will be affected by the project.
According to the previously exposed it can be demonstrated that the will be developed at the
properties of the project owners and that the project will not invade any other private property, any
communitarian property or any governmental property. The Project owners have the right over the
land and over the Certified Emission Reductions to be generated by the project activities taking place
in these properties.
G5.3. Demonstrate that project activities do not lead to involuntary removal or relocation of Property
Rights Holders from their lands or territories, and does not force them to relocate activities important
to their culture or livelihood. If any relocation of habitation or activities is undertaken within the terms
of an agreement, the project proponents must demonstrate that the agreement was made with the
Free, Prior, and Informed Consent of those concerned and includes provisions for just and fair
compensation.
The project will not be complicit of involuntary relocation as within the project areas there are not
communities living or depending of the resources located inside the farms. The local environmental
authorities knew about the project before the project start date and gave approval for the
establishment of the plantations for all instances.
G5.4. Identify any illegal activities that could affect the project’s climate, community or biodiversity
impacts (e.g. illegal logging) taking place in the Project Zone and describe measures needed and
taken to reduce these activities so that project benefits are not derived from illegal activities.
There are not significant illegal activities occurring inside the project area or in neighboring areas.
The area has been considered for being calm and excluded from the social and armed conflict
commonly present in other areas of the country.
50
G5.5. Identify any ongoing or unresolved conflicts or disputes over rights to lands, territories and
resources and also any disputes that were resolved during the last twenty years where such records
exist, or at least during the last ten years. If applicable, describe measures needed and taken to
resolve conflicts or disputes. Demonstrate that no activity is undertaken by the project that could
prejudice the outcome of an unresolved dispute relevant to the project over lands, territories and
resources in the Project Zone.
There are not ongoing or unresolved disputes or conflicts regarding land. Even though that historically
this area had been influenced by armed conflict, today such illegal or armed organizations do no play
an important role inside the project area as they are being controlled by the national government.
Legal status
G5.6. Submit a list of all national and local laws and regulations in the host country that are rele vant
to the project activities. Provide assurance that the project is complying with these and, where
relevant, demonstrate how compliance is achieved.
Colombian forestry legislation provides incentives to commercial reforestation through the Forestry
Incentive Certificate (CIF) under Law 139 of 1994. However, the impact of this incentive has not been
significant and effective in its aim to promote reforestation, due to high transaction costs and fact that
the effectiveness of the incentive depends mainly on the availability of budgetary resources 60. When
national fiscal resources become scarce, the CIF is often not funded due to other priorities.
Colombia is also a party of the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change)
and an active member of the ITTO (International Tropical Timber Organization). Colombia has also
signed and adopted the following conventions and agreements:
1. Agreement for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. Paris, 1972
2. Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species: wild fauna and flora. Washington,
1973
3. Convention on Biological Diversity. Rio de Janeiro, 1992
4. Colombia is active in the UNFCCC REDD+ negotiations where it supports market-based
mechanisms and has been a vocal proponent of the idea that REDD+ should accommodate a
stepped subnational approach, not only to Reference levels and MRV (Government of Colombia
2012) but also in terms of eligibility for phase 3 of REDD+ (results-based payments). This interest
in subnational processes is reflected by the fact that Colombia is a member of the advisory
committee of the Jurisdictional and Nested Requirements (JNR) working group of the Voluntary
Carbon Standard (VCS) (VCS 2013). Colombia has ratified the UNFCCC (1995) and the Kyoto
Protocol (2005) and has submitted two National Communications to the UNFCCC (in 2001 and
60
Aldana 2004.
51
2010) (UNFCCC 2013). Colombia is a member of the World Bank Forest Carbon Partnership
Facility (FCPF) and became a UN-REDD+ partner country in 2013 6162. Colombia has an
established Designated National Authority under the CDM and has at has more than one
registered CDM Afforestation/Reforestation project 63.
Nacional Legislation
- Act 139 of 1994 through which creates the forestry incentive certificate (Certificado de Incentivo
Forestal - CIF) among others.
- Regulatory Decree 1824 of 1994 through which Act 139 of 1994 is regulated
- Regulatory Decree 900 of 1997 through which CIF for conservation regulated.
- National development forest plan (Plan Nacional de Desarrollo Forestal, 2000).
- Resolution No. 182 of 2008 of MARD, by which are fixed the procedures and requirements for the
registration of agroforestry systems or forest crops for commercial purposes, and by which is adopted
the format for mobilization.
- Resolution 240 of 2008, by which the resolution 182 of 2008 is amended.
- Act 1377 of 2010 that regulates the activity for commercial reforestation
- Regulatory Decree No. 2803 of 2010, by which is regulated the Ac 1377 of 2010 about registration
of forest crops and agroforestry systems for commercial purposes, protective-productive plantations
and the mobilization of primary processing products, among others.
- Resolution 058 of 2011, through which a delegation is created and formats are adopted for the
registration and updating of the registration certificate, for the mobilization of wood and for the
instructions for filling out the products from forestry crops, agroforestry and productive-protective
plantations.
- Resolution No. 000319 of 2011, by which are set the national average values of total net costs of
establishing and maintaining per hectare of planted forest, as well as the maximum amount to be
recognized in respect to the CIF ,and the incentive per tree for 2012.
Departmental legislation
- Resolution 200.41-11.1130 of June 22, 2011. This resolution defines the regional criteria for the
development of forestry, agricultural and agro-industrial projects within the jurisdiction of
CORPORINOQUIA. It also defines the environmental management measures (Medidas de Manejo
Ambiental MMA) for the development of projects in the region.
- Resolution No. 500.41-13.1571 from November 6, 2013, which makes some changes to the
resolution No.200.41-11.1130 which did not consider the regulation of projects under 5000 hectares,
that execute irrigation and drainage activities and that due to its ecosystemic importance, required to
be regulated; subject to the regulations contained in resolution 1130 of June 22, 2011.
61
http://theredddesk.org/countries/colombia
https://www.minambiente.gov.co/index.php/ambientes-y-desarrollos-sostenibles/cambio-climatico
63 https://cdm.unfccc.int/Projects/MapApp/index.html?state=Registered
62
52
Municipal legislation
- Land management scheme (Esquema de Ordenamiento Territorial EOT, 2010) of the Municipality
of Puerto Carreño.
All instances comply with the legislation previously described as they promote reforestation in areas
suitable for this purpose, and also promote the soil preparation practices and proper handling of the
land, contribute to the mitigation of climate change by reducing GHG emissions, generate sustainable
development through their activities and generate social, climatic and environmental co-benefits.
G5.7. Document that the project has approval from the appropriate authorities, including the
established formal and/or traditional authorities customarily required by the Communities.
The activities will be developed at the properties of the project owners and the project will not invade
any other private property, any communitarian property or any governmental property.
G5.8. Demonstrate that the Project Proponent(s) has the unconditional, undisputed and
unencumbered ability to claim that the project will or did generate or cause the project’s climate,
community and biodiversity benefits.
See G5.1.
53
CLIMATE SECTION
This section is used to demonstrate a project’s net positive climate benefits and not for claiming
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions and removals units that may be used as offsets. This
section is not required for projects that have met the requirements of a recognized GHG Program.
54
CCB Standards Second Edition
COMMUNITY SECTION
CM1. Without-Project Community Scenario
CM1.1. Describe the Communities at the start of the project and significant community changes in the past,
including well-being information, and any community characteristics. Describe the social, economic and
cultural diversity within the Communities and the differences and interactions between the Community
Groups.
Since its founding in 1924, and for national sovereignty reasons, Puerto Carreño, acts as an intermediate
port of trade and movement of people and products (livestock, natural resources) to the exterior and interior
of the country. Puerto Carreño has fulfilled its role as international control point, supply center and marketing
of extractive economy products, border trade center and curatorial administration (Municipio de Puerto
Carreño 2012).
Population
According to DANE (2005), Puerto Carreño has a population of 13,288 inhabitants, of which approximately
77% is located in urban areas, and the remaining in rural areas of the municipality. 37.5% of the resident
population in Puerto Carreño, has reached the basic primary level and 28.9% the secondary; 4.3% has
reached the professional level and 1.1% had undergone specialization, masters or doctorate programs.
The resident population with no education is equivalent to 14.2%. In addition, 23.8% of the population living
in Puerto Carreño recognizes itself as Indigenous peoples.
Among the indicators of life quality, life expectancy at birth for these areas vary between 22 and 25 years
with respect to the country, ranking among the 60.4 years for the municipal head and 55.5 years for rural
areas: 69.8 and 67.6 vs. years respectively are the national averages.
According to DANE, the IBN (Unsatisfied Basic Needs index) is 45.35% of the population of Puerto Carreño,
while a 54.35% of the population live in extreme poverty.
The municipal health plan of Puerto Carreño (2008) 64 states that the living conditions of the indigenous
population is affected by the few job opportunities with low incomes, which does not allow them to access
the basic elements to sustain and improve their quality of life.
The municipality of Puerto Carreño within its priority actions has classified the following groups as
vulnerable population groups: displaced people, the disabled, single mothers, the elderly, indigenous
people, children and adolescents. Special emphasis is given to indigenous communities for being a large
group (11.25% of the municipality's population and 4.8% compared to the population of the department),
where the loss of cultural identity is perceived. Their habits, customs and traditions area being lost due to
the displacement of their reserves to urban areas in search of basic needs such as food, clothing, housing
and basic sanitation (Municipio de Puerto Carreño 2012).
64
Plan de Salud pública. 2008
v3.0
55
The municipality of Puerto Carreño is characterized as a receiving municipality of displaced population,
with 2,694 people by 2012 who conform 721 families.
In an effort to ensure their survival (self-consumption), both, settlers and Indigenous peoples, have been
using small plots "conucos" resulting from logging, an action that predisposes soil loss due to its high ly
ecosystemic fragility.
Health
The main causes of morbidity in Vichada, are diseases related to poor sanitation conditions, nutrition,
preventive health and hygiene, dental and respiratory problems, malaria, pregnancy problems and skin
diseases.
At the departmental level, provisions for primary health and services of second level are basically covered
according to an institutional system that is based on the articulation of different types of establishments:
local hospitals, health centers with beds, health posts and primary care units. Referrals to centers of greater
complexity for health care are done in Villavicencio and Bogota (more than two hours away by plain).
Deficiencies are commonly present related to the coverage of services throughout the departmental territory
that warrant its reinforcement. There is also lack of coverage (infrastructure, and staff) and plans to develop
preventive health schemes (PMFS La Pedregoza 2014).
CM1.2. Evaluate whether the Project Zone includes any of the following High Conservation Values (HCVs)
related to community well-being and describe the qualifying attributes for any identified HCVs.
The ecosystems in the Orinoco region, significantly contribute to the country's natural wealth since they
meet basic ecological functions for the hydrological cycle of the basin. The ecosystems morichales, gallery
forests and wetlands were recognized such as strategic and environmentally fragile areas.
These ecosystems generate different ecosystemic services that benefit the society in various spatial scales
(local, regional and national). The direct and indirect use of these services is the basis of the economic
growth and regional development.
The services provided by these ecosystems can be grouped into services related to provisioning such as
the production of food and water; regulation, such as climate and disease control; supporting, such as
nutrient cycles and crop pollination, and cultural, such as spiritual and recreational benefits.
The scenic beauty of the savanna landscape is one of the cultural ecosystemic services as well as the
cultural richness and diversity of this region, inhabited by indigenous groups and traditional farmers. These
inhabitants base their worldview, their management of the environment, social relationships and artistic
expressions, on the natural environment of this landscape (Pacheco et al, 2014).
CM1.3. Describe the expected changes in the well-being conditions and other characteristics of
Communities under the without-project land use scenario, including the impact of likely changes on all
ecosystem services in the Project Zone identified as important to Communities.
v3.0
56
As described in section G2.1, in the without project scenario, the most likely use of soil is the continuity of
livestock under conventional conditions of low productivity. In this scenario the social conditions of the
surrounding community will continue to get worse (as well as the ecosystems around them) and wi ll not
benefit from the topics described in Table 13 (see CM2.1).
CM2. Net Positive Community Impacts
CM2.1. Use appropriate methodologies to assess the impacts, including predicted and actual, direct and
indirect benefits, costs and risks, on each of the identified Community Groups (identified in G1.5) resulting
from project activities under the with-project scenario. The assessment of impacts must include changes in
well-being due to project activities and an evaluation of the impacts by the affected Community Groups.
This assessment must be based on clearly defined and defendable assumptions about changes in wellbeing of the Community Groups under the with-project scenario, including potential impacts of changes in
all ecosystem services identified as important for the Communities (including water and soil resources),
over the project lifetime.
The positive and negative community impacts described below correspond to the project area of the first
instance.
Without the project scenario, the pasturelands for cattle pollute water sources and compact soil which
decreases fertility. Without the project scenario, and along with the national and local circumstances,
establishing pastures for the development of cattle requires cleaning vegetation. Such cleaning activities
are usually done by burning extensive areas of forest and natural savannahs reducing the fertility and
degrading soil and savannas ecosystems.
With the project scenario, the activities of Forest Reforestation and Restauration, Monitoring and
Capacitation and Education, are being implemented.
The analysis of the net benefits to the communities resulting from the project activity has been organized
around the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach (SLA). The SLA includes a framework for understanding the
complexities of poverty and guiding principles for action. This framework is designed to center around
people and the influences that affect how they can support themselves and their families. The basic units
of analysis are livelihood assets, which are divided into five categories: human capital, social capital,
physical capital, natural capital and financial capital. One of the key factors that affect access to livelihood
assets is the vulnerability context. This idea incorporates an analysis of economic and political aspects, as
well as technological trends, shocks and seasonality.
The guiding principles of the SLA are:



v3.0
Be people-centred. SLA begins by analyzing people's livelihoods and how they change over time.
The people themselves actively participate throughout the project cycle.
Be holistic. SLA acknowledges that people adopt many strategies to secure their livelihoods, and
that many actors are involved; for example the private sector, ministries, community-based
organizations and international organizations.
Be dynamic. SLA seeks to understand the dynamic nature of livelihoods and what influences them.
57




Build on strengths. SLA builds on people's perceived strengths and opportunities rather than
focusing on their problems and needs. It supports existing livelihood strategies.
Promote micro-macro links. SLA examines the influence of policies and institutions on livelihood
options and highlights the need for policies to be informed by insights from the local level and by
the priorities of the poor.
Encourage broad partnerships. SLA counts on broad partnerships drawing on both the public
and private sectors.
Aim for sustainability. Sustainability is important if poverty reduction is to be lasting 65.
Project activities, particularly commercial plantations are one of the key development factors of the
Vichada's Department; different investments in infrastructure will take place (roads, education, among
others) if more companies or projects like this replicate in the region.
The impacts are described for each of the first instances that compose the project area.
International Fund for Agricultural Development. “The sustainable livelihoods approach”
http://www.ifad.org/sla/index.htm.
65
v3.0
58
Table 13. Expected community impacts due to project activities implementation
Livelihood
Asset
Expected
impacts
Increased life
expectancy
Description
Expected benefits for the areas of the first instance
Canapro has an occupational health program that aims to preserve the physical and
mental condition of the personnel linked to the project, including periodic reviews,
training and games sessions in order to teach self-care and risk prevention practices.
The project proponent are To do so, Canapro relies on institutions that cover the service as the occupational
developing a project that risk insurance company and the EPS, as well as professional individuals
achieves to improve the health
La Pedregoza: The occupational health program is being prepared. The human
of the employees.
resources area is responsible for its consolidation.
El Toro: At each stage of forest management, occupational health programs are
implemented in the relevant topics.
Human
Capital
v3.0
Project
employees
have
executed educational activities
and specific training for the
workers. Several workshops
were
implemented
about
ecology and conservation of
Increase in
perception/
the biodiversity, focused on all Continued education and environmental awareness. Conservation of forests and
recognition of the project staff. In addition, fragile areas. Sustainable management of plantations. Protection and security for
value of forest
trainings are expected, to workers.
people
who
have
resources
responsibilities in monitoring
the use of methodologies and
materials
/
equipment,
samples and the use of the
notebook and field formats.
59
Livelihood
Asset
Expected
impacts
Improvement in
skills and
knowledge in
forest
management
Social
Capital
Physical
Capital
v3.0
Description
The project activities include
trained of all workers in
techniques of reforestation
and maintenance of forest
plantations.
This
training
includes all steps from site
preparation to establishment
of the plantations, plant
production, maintenance of
the plantations, weed control,
fertilization, sawing, dilution,
acidification and lamination
and drying and pressing.
Policy work: ensure the quality
Relations of trust of life of workers in the project
and mutual
area. They have guarantees of
legal
character
and
support
prerogatives of each property.
New or improved
transportation
infrastructure
Canapro: Industrial safety is a priority for each of the processes as it provides training
and necessary security elements for the implementation of specific activities.
La Pedregoza: Each new worker is trained in occupational safety and health. The
industrial safety manual is under construction
El Diamante: Training according to the activities performed by the worker and in
general activities such as health and safety.
El Toro: The company meets all the requirements for forest management in each
forest stages, emphasizing in all risks to health and the integrity of workers.
Reminders are posted over the project area about the use of garments for industrial
safety and the appropriate use of forest tools and records of signatures of each
worker. The company is working on the implementation of a first aid system as
required by the rules for such cases.
Implementation of a workers policy.
On the other hand, El Toro financially supports educational institutions and
collaborates in expanding the number of hours of electric light and provides the
health center with drugs.
Project activities will improve
Project activities generate income to improve the infrastructure for both workers and
the infrastructure of the
inhabitants of the region (roads, bridges, etc.).
properties of the first instance.
Improved access
to markets (due Easy access to local markets
to new or
improved
To improve the road infrastructure, more people will have access to markets in the
city in lesser time.
60
Livelihood
Asset
Expected
impacts
Description
roads/infrastructu
re)
Ecotourism
facilities
developed or
improved
Employment
(direct and
indirect)
Financial
Capital
Implement
ecotourism The conditions of the project area (biodiversity, forestry strategy, protection of water
activities in the project areas
resources - Bita's river, etc.) drive the eco-tourism sector.
Canapro: The permanent staff of the Canapro's Agroforestry project consists of 52
Project proponent and entities permanent people, hired for an indefinite term and with all the legal benefits and
involved in the project design stimuli proper of the company.
and implementation are not La Pedregoza: This company generates employment for the local community of
involved in or complicit in any Puerto Carreño and for other places in Colombia.
form
of
discrimination
(Including
discrimination Currently the company has 8 employees working under permanent contracts and
based on gender, race, about 10 people working in the form of delivered services. Different employment
religion, sexual orientation or opportunities are Indirectly generated, such as financial management and statutory
other
habits) or sexual audit, personnel providing services to the company as well as the restaurant service,
harassment with respect to the which is independently provided by a lady.
project.
El Diamante and El Toro will generate an important amount of employments in
subsequent stages of the project.
Increase in cash
income from
carbon
payments to
individuals
Increases in the investment for
The properties within the carbon project may have additional income to improve the
implementation
and
quality of workers, quality of plantations, monitoring and sustainable actions in the
monitoring of the project
project area.
activities
New income from Revenues from ecotourism Revenues from ecotourism: ecologic walks, fishing, beekeeping, river navigation,
ecotourism
activities in the region
among others.
v3.0
61
Livelihood
Asset
Expected
impacts
Description
Wood for poles and sawing, timber for tables and laminated beams, biochar, chipped
Increase in
income or new
Revenues from the sale of wood for pellets.
income from the wood
Horizonte Verde: The company is projecting to set a portable sawmill to move semi
sale of timber
processed wood.
Canapro: The project has staff training plans. The topics are varied, and include
aspects related to the specific work, dynamic and needs of the project, personal
growth, among others.
La Pedregoza: Trainings were executed on snake venom, pruning, fertilization and
natural silviculture. Quarterly trainings are executed to new employees about organic
fertilization.
Tools and
technology
Natural
Capital
Locals will benefit from the In addition, every six months are executed trainings about general issues including
capacity-buildings that refer prevention and control of fires, first aid and waste management. Currently new
among others to the improved trainings are being planned on occupational hazards and occupational health.
reforestation activities.
El Diamante: Will train workers in a different job, becoming a different alternative for
land use (forest culture).
El Toro: They train technicians and forest workers in upgrade courses about
management and prevention in the use of forestry tools, industrial safety, handling
and use of protective clothing, first aid, handling of materials, mineral, non-mineral
and organic waste, assessments and periodically reminders about the degree of
learning in different subjects, among others.
Increased in the
Production and local sourcing The first harvest or thinning and the final harvest will increase the availability of wood
availability of
of wood
in the area, as well as byproducts such as biochar.
timber
Forest and non
forest products
v3.0
Canapro: Research and technical experiences are executed to develop products
Forest plantations generate such as bee-keeping, the use of cellulose in the edible fungus production and the
income, both, from the sale of use of biomass as an energy and heat source, among others.
62
Livelihood
Asset
Expected
impacts
Description
timber and
products.
of
non-timber La Pedregoza: Income generation from the sale of agroforestry products, aromatic
oils from Eucalyptus and honey.
El Diamante: Production of wood from planted areas, decreases the pressure on
natural forests and promotes the conservation of forest through the implementation
of sustainable management practices. Wood procurement and indirect products
such as cashew (marañon) fruit.
El Toro: income generation from the sale of forest products and the use of hightechnology manufacturing processes
The development of forestry
Increased in land
activities affects the social and Increase in the valuation of properties, both in the project area and the project zone.
prices
economic context.
Increase or
stabilization of
water flows
and/or quality
for local people
v3.0
The project activities can
improve water resources in the
project area. The infiltration
rate of water into the soil under
the plantations are more
Conservation of riparian forests.
gradual. Reforestation also
improves the watersheds and
water
resources,
thus
improving
the
natural
environment for aquatic life.
63
Livelihood
Asset
Expected
impacts
Description
Reforestation contributes to
the protection and expansion
of native wildlife habitats and
Increase in
to the reduction of pressure on
wildlife
native forest, increases the
populations due populations of endemic and
All properties have fauna and flora inventories
to increased
endangered
species,
the
forest cover or
creation of shelterbelts in
waterways with native species
protection
and to the restoration of micro
fauna and increases in the
biomass.
v3.0
Damage to crops
or plants due to
increased in
wildlife inhabiting
new nearby
forest cover
Damage to the planted area,
associated
with
activities
related to invasion of wildlife, Protection of areas likely to be attacked; through methods not harmful to wildlife.
development of burrows and
displacement of fauna
Increased in soil
conservation
and soil fertility/
productivity
Soil conservation due to the
forest cover; and higher
productivity as a result of
fertilization
The properties use organic fertilizers and chemicals in lower proportion for the
management of the forest plantation.
Increased in
erosion due to
logging and/or
road building
The final harvest could cause
erosion and / or soil
compaction
Activity executed according to the management plans. All necessary measures shall
be taken into account to mitigate environmental and social impacts, through proper
planning of harvest. In addition, harvest plans involve replanting to maintain soil
cover and carbon sequestration.
64
Livelihood
Asset
v3.0
Expected
impacts
Description
Increased in
availability of
fuel-wood
Production of biochar
One of the expected products by the properties is the production of biochar or
charcoal for both energy use and compost and / or mulch.
65
Table 14. Expected impacts on stakeholder groups.
Livelihood
asset
Medium
/Long term
Direct/
Indirect
Effect
(+) / (-)
Long
Indirect
+
Med
Direct
+
Med
Direct
+
Relations of trust and
mutual support
Med
Direct
+
New or improved
transportation
infrastructure
Long
Direct
+
Med
Indirect
+
Med
Direct
+
Employment (direct
and indirect)
Med
Direct
+
Increase in cash
income from carbon
payments to
individuals
Med
Direct
+
Project owners
New income from
ecotourism
Med
Direct
+
Group of
indigenous/ Project
owners
Increase in income or
new income from
the sale of timber
Med
Direct
+
Project owners
Expected impact
Increased life
expectancy
Human
capital
Social
capital
Physical
capital
Financial
capital
Natural
capital
v3.0
Increase in
perception/recognition
of the value of forest
resources
Improvement in skills
and knowledge in
forest management
Improved access to
markets (due to new
or improved
roads/infrastructure)
Ecotourism facilities
developed or
improved
Tools and
technology
Med
Direct
+
Increased in the
availability of timber
Med
Direct
+
Stakeholder
groups
Workers of the
farms / Group of
indigenous
Workers of the
farms / Group of
indigenous
Workers of the
farms / Group of
indigenous
Workers of the
farms / Group of
indigenous/ Project
owners
Workers of the
farms / Group of
indigenous/ Project
owners
Workers of the
farms / Group of
indigenous/ Project
owners
Group of
indigenous/ Project
owners
Workers of the
farms / Group of
indigenous
Workers of the
farms / Project
owners
Workers of the
farms / Group of
66
Livelihood
asset
Medium
/Long term
Direct/
Indirect
Effect
(+) / (-)
Forest and Non
forest products
Med
Direct
+
Increased in land
prices
Long
Indirect
+
Expected impact
Increase or
stabilization of
water flows and/or
quality for local
people
Increase in wildlife
populations due to
increased forest cover
or protection
Damage to crops or
plants due to
increased in wildlife
inhabiting new nearby
forest cover
Increased in soil
conservation and
soil fertility/
productivity
Increased in erosion
due to logging and/or
road building
Increased in
availability of fuelwood
Med
Med
Direct
Indirect
Stakeholder
groups
indigenous/ Project
owners
Workers of the
farms / Group of
indigenous/ Project
owners
Workers of the
farms / Group of
indigenous/ Project
owners
+
Workers of the
farms / Group of
indigenous/ Project
owners
+
Workers of the
farms / Group of
indigenous/ Project
owners
Med
Indirect
-
Workers of the
farms / Group of
indigenous/ Project
owners
Med
Direct
+
Workers of the
farms / Project
owners
Med
Direct
-
Med
Direct
+
Workers of the
farms / Project
owners
Workers of the
farms / Group of
indigenous/ Project
owners
CM2.2. Describe measures needed and taken to mitigate any negative well-being impacts on
Community Groups and for maintenance or enhancement of the High Conservation Value attributes
(identified in CM1.2) consistent with the precautionary principle.
The measures taken to avoid and mitigate the possible impact: Increased in erosion due to logging
and/or road building, are:

v3.0
Segmentation of large lots into separate blocks by ridges permanently constructed according
67








to the slope, reducing erosional processes caused by rainwater.
Establishment of live barriers or dams in strategic locations.
Improve the physical, chemical and microbiological soil conditions, through the management
of soil compaction by using a deep vibratory chisel for plowing prior to planting. Proper
management using drainages to reduce the velocity of the runoff.
Improve the physical and microbiological soil conditions, through the implementation of
environmentally friendly and natural practices, such as applying natural fertilizers and
mycorrhizae.
Allow the surface of the exposed soil to keep its natural cover in order to reduce the incidence
of direct sunlight, reducing the evaporation of water. This allows the thermal amplitude
variability to be lower, favoring the plantations and the activity of soil microorganisms.
Use more appropriate technologies to continually and progressively reduce significant
environmental impacts of forest operations.
Train the staff and provide adequate means, to work with a responsible attitude towards the
protection of the environment. In addition, promote environmental awareness among staff
and the community itself.
Follow the harvesting plan of each species, responding to the needs of forest products.
The harvesting plan involves immediate replanting to maintain the soil cover and the
sequestration of carbon. Roots, branches and other parts that are not useful during the
harvest will be converted into chips or rolled pieces and then reintegrated to the soil to
maintain the contents of organic material.
CM2.3. Demonstrate that the net well-being impacts of the project are positive for all identified
Community Groups compared with their anticipated well-being conditions under the without project
land use scenario (described in CM1).
As described in Section CM1.1 the project will generate positive changes in the identified community
groups. The project areas are degraded pastures with severe soil erosion and do not generate income
to local communities, as a result under the without-project scenario, the ecosystem services,
livelihood of communities and cultural values provided by the project lands is weak. Therefore, net
impact of the project are positive for local communities.
CM2.4. Demonstrate that no High Conservation Values (identified in CM1.2) are negatively aff ected
by the project
The project owners have internalized environmental and social sustainability criteria into their
projects, including but not limited to respect for native species, prohibitions on logging in natural
forests and hunting, preservation of natural ecosystems and aquifer systems and implementation of
productive systems under good practices.
Therefore, it is expected that natural ecosystems such as gallery forests, morichales and wetlands:
-
v3.0
These ecosystems are not affected (projects are not carried out in such areas)
68
-
It is hoped that forestry plantations (both commercial and restauration) becomes a buffer
area. These ecosystems will therefore continue to contribute to community the provisioning,
regulating, supporting and cultural services.
CM3. Other Stakeholder Impacts
CM3.1. Identify any potential positive and negative impacts that the project activities are likely to
cause on the well-being of Other Stakeholders.
No critical ecosystem services are going to be negatively affected by the project activities to people
who live in the project zone, as there are not settlements located inside the project zone. Communities
located inside the project area, live far away from the project zone and therefore no significant impacts
have been identified for them.
CM3.2. Describe the measures needed and taken to mitigate the negative well-being impacts on
Other Stakeholders.
No negative impacts have been identified on other stakeholders, and therefore no measures or
activities have been developed
CM3.3. Demonstrate that the project activities do not result in net negative impacts on the well-being
of Other Stakeholders.
NA
CM 4. Community Impact Monitoring
CM4.1. Develop and implement a monitoring plan that identifies community variables to be monitored,
Communities, Community Groups and Other Stakeholders to be monitored, the types of
measurements, the sampling methods, and the frequency of monitoring and reporting. Monitoring
variables must be directly linked to the project’s objectives for Communities and Community Groups
and to predicted outputs, outcomes and impacts identified in the project’s causal model related to the
well-being of Communities (described in G1.8). Monitoring must assess differentiated impacts,
including and benefits, costs and risks, for each of the Community Groups and must include an
evaluation by the affected Community Groups.
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69
Community impacts will be evaluated every verification period through the indicators described in
Table 15. This evaluation aims to answer three key questions 66:



What changes have there been in the community since the start of the project?
Which of these changes are attributable to the project?
What difference have these changes made to people’s lives?
Quantitative indicators will be compiled using the records were kept of the implementations activities
in each nucleus (Data record). Qualitative indicators will be compiled through survey of stakeholders.
Table 15. Indicators used for assessing the social impact of the project
Livelihood
Asset
Expected impact
Indicator
Method
Frecuency
Number of lectures on
Occupational Health
Data
record
Each
verification
period
Number of persons attending
these lectures
Data
record
Each
verification
period
Level of awareness,
perception/ recognition of the
value of forest resources
Survey
Each
verification
period
Number of lectures on
Industrial Safety
Data
record
Each
verification
period
these lectures
Data
record
Each
verification
period
Amount invested (COP) in
educational and health
institutions, provision of
lighting and power plants for
the community.
Data
record
Each
verification
period
Level of awareness,
perception/ recognition of
decent and fair conditions
work conditions
Survey
Each
verification
period
Increased life
expectancy
Human
Capital
Increase in perception/
recognition of the value
of forest resources
Improvement in skills
and knowledge in forest
management
Social
Capital
Relations of trust and
mutual support
66
Overview of the PIA approach. Richards, M. 2011. Social and Biodiversity Impact Assessment (SBIA) Manual
for REDD+ Projects: Part 2 – Social Impact Assessment Toolbox. Climate, Community & Biodiversity Alliance
and Forest Trends with Rainforest Alliance and Fauna & Flora International. Washington, DC.
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70
Livelihood
Asset
Expected impact
New or improved
transportation
infrastructure
Physical
Capital
Improved access to
markets (due to new or
improved
roads/infrastructure)
Ecotourism facilities
developed or improved
Financial
Capital
Natural
Capital
v3.0
Indicator
Method
Frecuency
Amount invested (COP) in
roads or transportation
infrastructure
Data
record
Each
verification
period
Number of kilometers of roads
or transportation infrastructure
in maintenance, upgrade or
renovation
Data
record
Each
verification
period
Number of kilometers of roads
or transportation infrastructure
built
Data
record
Each
verification
period
Number of persons under
improved accessibility to local
markets
Survey
Each
verification
period
Number of tourists (for
ecotourism facilities) who visit
the project area
Data
record
Each
verification
period
Number of ecotourism
initiatives implemented
Data
record
Each
verification
period
Data
Each
record
verification
(contracts)
period
Employment (direct and
indirect)
Number of people employed
Increase in cash income
from carbon payments
to individuals
Number of activities
implemented due to the sale
of carbon credits
Data
record
Each
verification
period
New income from
ecotourism
Number of ecotourism
initiatives implemented
Data
record
Each
verification
period
Increase in income or
new income from the
sale of timber
Gain achieved (COP) from the
sale of timber
Data
record
Each
verification
period
Tools and technology
Number of training workshops
regarding to forest
management and silvicultural
practices.
Data
record
Each
verification
period
71
Livelihood
Asset
Expected impact
Method
Frecuency
these workshops
Data
record
Each
verification
period
Level of perception/
recognition of increase in job
opportunities due to skills
obtained in the project
Survey
Each
verification
period
Número de personas que
consideran mayor oferta
forestal en la zona del
proyecto
Survey
Each
verification
period
Number of non-timber
products
Data
record
Each
verification
period
Yield of non-timber products
activities
Data
record
Each
verification
period
Increased in land prices
Percent change in land
valuation
Data
record
Each
verification
period
Increase or stabilization
of water flows and/or
quality for local people
Gallery forests expansión (ha)
GIS
Each
verification
period
Increased in the
availability of timber
Indicator
Forest and non forest
products
Increase in wildlife
populations due to
increased forest cover or
protection
Damage to crops or
plants due to increased
in wildlife inhabiting new
nearby forest cover
Increased in soil
conservation and soil
fertility/ productivity
v3.0
Please refer to biodiversity monitoring
Number of incidents of wildlife
Data
record
Each
verification
period
Area affected by wildlife (ha)
Data
record
Each
verification
period
Please refer to biodiversity monitoring
72
Livelihood
Asset
Expected impact
Increased in erosion due
to logging and/or road
building
Increased in availability
of fuel-wood
Indicator
Method
Frecuency
Number of harvested trees
Data
record
Each
verification
period
Number of harvested hectares
(ha)
Data
record
Each
verification
period
Number of trees replanted
(after harvest)
Data
record
Each
verification
period
Number of hectares (ha)
replanted (after harvest)
Data
record
Each
verification
period
Affected area (ha) due to
logging and/or road buildingexcluding the roads
GIS
Each
verification
period
Production of biochar
Data
record
Each
verification
period
The main steps proposed in the assessment are:






v3.0
Gather and train the team. Once the technician team is involved in the project, training
workshops will be held for discussing, in order to ensure that all team members fully
understand the purposes, contents, procedures and specific methods of the field survey.
Define the questions to be answered. The key research issues and questions should be
identified, based on a clear understanding of the project logic and objectives. It is suggested
using a simple questioning process or semi-structured interview with project participants.
Define the stakeholders involved in the surveys, and the corresponding questions according
to each stakeholders sub-groups (project owners, farm workers and their families – in the
case they live in the project zone-, neighbors farm –including the administrator of the farmlocal government, environmental government – CORPORINOQUIA- NGOs, local leaders,
grass roots or community-based organizations such as AGAF, etc.).
Collect the information according to the indicators described in Table 15.
Systematize the results obtained and assess the project´s social contribution differentiating
between the benefits and costs and risks (negative impacts). If it was needed, develop a
mitigation plan for identified negative impacts.
Feedback and verify the results with the stakeholders sub-groups previously mentioned.
73
CM4.2. Develop and implement a monitoring plan to assess the effectiveness of measures taken to
maintain or enhance all identified High Conservation Values related to community well-being.
The measures taken to maintain or enhance the identified HCV related to community well-being and
taken for avoiding the impact: Increased erosion due to logging and/or road building, are:








Establishment of live barriers or dams in strategic locatio ns.
Improve the physical and microbiological soil conditions, through the implementation of
environmentally friendly and natural practices, such as applying natural fertilizers and
mycorrhizae.
Use more appropriate technologies to continually and progressively reduce significant
environmental impacts of forest operations.
Train the staff and provide adequate means, to work with a responsible attitude towards the
protection of the environment. In addition, promote environmental awareness among staff
and the community itself.
Follow the harvesting plan of each species, responding to the needs of forest products.
The harvesting plan involves immediate replanting to maintain the soil cover and the
sequestration of carbon. Roots, branches and other parts that are not useful during the
harvest will be converted into chips or rolled pieces and then reintegrated to the soil to
maintain the contents of organic material.
Effectiveness of these measures will be assessed on basis of the replanting plan compliance and
quantified trough the geographic information system using the next indicators:



Number of hectares (ha) replanted (after harvest)
Number of hectares (ha) replanted (after harvest)
Affected area (ha) due to logging and/or road buildingexcluding the roads
CM4.3. Disseminate the monitoring plan, and any results of monitoring undertaken in accordance
with the monitoring plan, ensuring that they are made publicly available on the internet and summaries
are communicated to the Communities and Other Stakeholders through appropriate means.
The results of monitoring undertaken will be made publicly available on the internet and through the
web site of the project proponent (Fundación Natura) and the ones of the project owners.
Additionally, all documents and information about the results of the monitoring and verification of this
project will be published in the platforms of the VCS and CCB standards as usual.
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74
BIODIVERSITY SECTION
B1. Biodiversity Without–project Scenario
B1.1. Describe biodiversity within the Project Zone at the start of the project and threats to that
biodiversity, using appropriate methodologies.
The natural ecosystem in which the municipality of Puerto Carreño is located, has been dramatically
intervened without any restrictions by the action of man, threatening the ecological balance. In an
effort to ensure their survival (self-consumption), both, settlers and Indigenous peoples, have been
using small plots "conucos" resulting from logging, an action that predisposes soil loss due to its
highly eco systemic fragility
There is no doubt that the treatment that has been given to the natural vegetation and land use for
agricultural purposes has generated fundamental changes in the physiognomy of different plant
associations, affecting the fauna component (Municipio de Puerto Carreño 2012). The most
representative ecosystems in the project area are (see detailed description in G1.3):





Flooded Forest
Gallery Forest
Savannas
Dwarf trees
Morichales and Saladillales
Figure 18. Natural vegetation. Mauritia flexuosa (Palma de Moriche).
In addition to this local problem, during the past three decades, the Colombian Orinoco has
undergone a rapid change in their natural covers due to an increase in land use for the purpose of
establishing agro-industrial systems, exploitation of hydrocarbons, among others. This growth
reduces the quantity and quality of the natural habitat, which results in fragmentation and changes in
v3.0
75
the landscape composition (changes in geometry and amount of habitat edge) and then a decreases
of biodiversity (Pacheco et al, 2014).
Endangered species
The freshwater dolphin (Inia geoffrensis), the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus)
and the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), are threatened aquatic mammals. In mammals, the
pressures on their habitat represent the greatest threat to species like the leopard (Leopardus
pardalis) and the Cebus apella. The “llanero” caiman (Caiman intermedius) is emblematic of the area
and one of the most studied crocodiles in the basin; it is of commercial importance, en demic and in
critical need of conservation. The morrocoy and charapa turtles (Geochelone denticulata and
Podocnemis expansa), are also in danger of extinction; locals consume the eggs or meat of these
specie and they are hunted very young to be exported as aquarium pets 67.
Caiman intermedius (Photo by
Gustavo Romero)
Trichechus manatus manatus
(Photo by Joachim S. Müller)
Leopardus pardalis
(mongabay.com)
Figure 19. Some endangered species of the Orinoco region.
Appendix I presents the list of species reported as endangered in the region, according to the UICN
red list of threatened species, version 2012. Endangered species usually habit in natural savannahs,
gallery forest and water ecosystems of the main rivers: Meta and Orinoco. Such covers are present
within the project zone, and therefore such species use the project zone during some portion of their
lives.
In the without project scenario, is likely that the use of soil would be the continuity of livestock und er
conventional conditions of low productivity. The pasturelands for cattle simply cannot support the
diversity of a forest plantation: cows pollute water sources and compact soil, which decreases fertility.
In the baseline scenario, the extensive cattle-ranching is constantly competing with the forest covers
and with the natural savannahs, and therefore, is displacing the fauna and flora present mostly inside
the gallery forest.
67
Governance of Vichada 2008, CORPORINOQUIA, 2004.
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76
B1.2. Evaluate whether the Project Zone includes any of the following High Co nservation Values
(HCVs) related to biodiversity and describe the qualifying attributes for any identified HCVs.
High conservation values (HCV) will be protected by the Project owners and developers. In general
there are two HCV identified as:

Gallery forests, wetlands and morichales. These ecosystems have been recognized by the
owners of the instances and no plantings or human interventions will take place on such
areas. Those places are constantly monitored by the environmental authorities and by the
communities as they found these areas very important, for the conservation of water
resources and the establishment of fauna.

Threatened and endemic species (see B1.1 and Appendix I).
B1.3. Describe how the without-project land use scenario would affect biodiversity conditions in the
Project Zone.
As described in section G.2.1, in the without project scenario, is likely that the use of soil would be
the continuity of livestock under conventional conditions of low productivity. Besides, the dominant
food and main source of dietary energy for livestock are natural pastures with high level of lignification,
therefore widespread slash-and-burn techniques and prescribed burns are used to e ncourage the
regrowth of these pastures 6869.
The pasture lands for cattle simply cannot support the diversity of a forest plantation: cows pollute
water sources and compact soil, which decreases fertility. In the baseline scenario, the extensive
cattle-ranching is constantly competing with the forest covers and with the natural savannahs, and
therefore, is displacing the fauna and flora present mostly inside the gallery forest 70.
The project activities will help the natural regeneration in the areas of influence of riparian forests. In
addition, the balance between mature forest and stubble depends on the management of sites and
of each particular case to assess these effects of plantations on biodiversity.
Forest plantations have their own levels of structural connectivity and behavioral determined by its
ability to provide means for the development of ecological processes; these conductivity levels
depend on the silvicultural processes and on the species to be used.
B2. Net Positive Biodiversity Impacts
B2.1. Use appropriate methodologies to estimate changes in biodiversity, including assessment of
predicted and actual, positive and negative, direct and indirect impacts, resulting from project
68
Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia. 2005. Línea Base para la Planeación del Manejo Parque
Nacional Natural El Tuparro. Disponible en:
http://www.parquesnacionales.gov.co/PNN/portel/libreria/pdf/LneaBasePNNTuparro.pdf
69 Diagnóstico E.O.T. Puerto Carreño, 2010
70 La Orinoquia de Colombia. Disponible en: http://www.imeditores.com/banocc/orinoquia/cap7.htm
v3.0
77
activities under the with-project scenario in the Project Zone and over the project lifetime. This
estimate must be based on clearly defined and defendable assumptions.
The project is developed as a system of well-managed commercial plantations, which seeks to
minimize the impact of plantations on natural ecosystems and promote the maintenance of the
different ecosystem services in the high plains, using criteria of environmental sustainability. The
intervention areas and the zoning process, is based on the precautionary principle, therefore, it
intends to leave some potential planting area as natural ecosystem, including savannahs. This
promotes the permanence of habitat for wildlife and a part of the structure and functionality of the
landscape of the high plains, which can be crucial to maintain the provision of ecosys tem services
(Pacheco et al 2014).
According to the previously exposed, besides the productive systems, the project is also considered
an activity of landscape restoration 71 that incorporates objectives of conservation of biodiversity and
generates the following impacts:
Table 16. Expected impacts on biodiversity
Effect
Actual/
Predict
Direct/
Indirect
Increase of forest cover
Positive
Actual
Direct
Connectivity of strategic ecosystems
Positive
Predicted
Direct
Recovery of ecological niches.
Positive
Predicted
Indirect
Conservation of water sources
Positive
Predicted
Direct
Landscape restoration
Positive
Predicted
Indirect
Recovery of fauna habitats
Positive
Predicted
Indirect
Increase of native plant covers.
Positive
Predicted
Direct
Increase of biodiversity: fauna and flora
Positive
Predicted
Indirect
Carbon sequestration
Positive
Actual
Direct
Control of erosion
Positive
Predicted
Direct
Loss of biodiversity due to the disturbance of
natural ecosystems
Negative
Predicted
Direct
Disturbance of the natural balance of nutrients
in the soil, changes of pH, salinization, and
pollution of water bodies due to the excessive
or inappropriate use of agrochemicals
Negative
Predicted
Direct
Disturbance of Wildlife due to the excessive or
inappropriate use of herbicides
Negative
Predicted
Direct
Impact
71
OIMT and UICN (2009) recognize well-managed commercial plantations as a restored forest landscapes, as
well as the benefits of those. IUCN, 2010. Gestión Forestal Sostenible, biodiversidad y medios de vida.
Disponible en: https://www.cbd.int/development/doc/cbd-guide-des-bonnes-pratiques-forests-web-es.pdf
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B2.2. Demonstrate that the project’s net impacts on biodiversity in the Project Zone are positive,
compared with the biodiversity conditions under the without-project land use scenario (described in
B1).
As described in section G.2.1, in the without project scenario, is likely that the use of soil would be
the continuity of livestock under conventional conditions of low productivity. Besides, the dominant
food and main source of dietary energy for livestock are natural pastures with high level of lignification,
therefore widespread slash-and-burn techniques and prescribed burns are used to encourage the
regrowth of these pastures 7273.
The pasturelands for cattle simply cannot support the diversity of a forest plantation: cows pollute
water sources and compact soil, which decreases fertility. In the baseline scenario, the extensive
cattle-ranching is constantly competing with the forest covers and with the natural savannahs, and
therefore, is displacing the fauna and flora present mostly inside the gallery forest 74.
In the project scenario, the intervention of the planted areas has been done by using criteria of
environmental sustainability, which includes prevention and mitigation of possible adverse impacts
(Table 16 and section B2.3).
As part of the sustainable management of the properties, the project intends to leave some potential
planting area as natural ecosystem, including savannahs. This promotes the permanence of habitat
for wildlife and a part of the structure and functionality of the landscape of the high plains, which can
be crucial to maintain the provision of ecosystem services (Pacheco et al 2014).
These features decrease the ecosystem fragility, increase the quantity and quality of the natural
habitat, reduce the impact of fragmentation and change in landscape composition and its
consequences on biodiversity.
B2.3. Describe measures needed and taken to mitigate negative impacts on biodiversity and any
measures needed and taken for maintenance or enhancement of the High Conservation Value
attributes (identified in B1.2) consistent with the precautionary principle.
The measures needed and taken to avoid negative impacts on biodiversity are described in detail in
the documents related to the sustainable forest management plan (PMFS) of each nucleus.
72
Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia. 2005. Línea Base para la Planeación del Manejo Parque
Nacional Natural El Tuparro. Disponible en:
http://www.parquesnacionales.gov.co/PNN/portel/libreria/pdf/LneaBasePNNTuparro.pdf
73 Municipal Center for Documentation and Information. Zoning scheme. Available at:
http://cdim.esap.edu.co/BancoMedios/Documentos%20PDF/diagnostico_pto_carre%C3%B1o_(59_pag_126_k
b).pdf
74 La Orinoquia de Colombia. Disponible en: http://www.imeditores.com/banocc/orinoquia/cap7.htm
v3.0
79
Impacts on soil, fauna, flora and water bodies due to the excessive or inappropriate use
of agrochemicals

Set the optimum composition and concentrations of nutrients required and the type of
materials used for its production.

Train the staff in charge of handling the product

Administer the product during the appropriate seasons to maximize their efficiency and avoid
the imbalance of nutrients in the soil.

During the process of fertilization and composting, is produced a degree of non-reusable
waste (plastics and others. The person in charge should clearly identify this type of material,
to proceed with the proper method of storage and disposal.

Washing and maintenance of machinery, tools and containers used for the handling of
products, is forbidden in areas close to natural drainage or water sources.

Improvement of the physical and microbiological soil conditions by implementing a natural
silviculture strategy that includes applying natural fertilizers and mycorrhizae (Farm La
Pedregoza).

Application of the principle of organic farming and weed control through the use of biodegradable herbicides, plant protection with less impact and biological control for pests (Farm
El Toro).
Control of erosion


Establishment of live barriers or dams in strategic locations.


Loss of biodiversity due to the disturbance of natural ecosystems (savannahs)


v3.0
Leave some potential planting area as natural ecosystem, including savannahs. This
promotes the permanence of habitat for wildlife and a part of the structure and functionality
of the landscape of the high plains, which can be crucial to maintain the provision of
ecosystem services
Keep a band of 100 meters as buffer zones and transition area between the plantations and
the forest, in order to allow successional forest dynamics is developed, in addition to
minimizing the human intervention on it.
80
B2.4. Demonstrate that no High Conservation Values (identified in B1.2) are negatively affected by
the project.
The forest cover generated by the plantations, increase the connectivity of natural ecosystems, which
favors the protection of gallery forests, wetlands and morichales. Additionally, the recovery of
ecological niches for endemic, vulnerable or threatened species is favored. Therefore, the HCV are
not expected to be negatively affected by the project.
B2.5. Identify all species used by the project and show that no known invasive species are introduced
into any area affected by the project and that the population of any invasive species does not increase
as a result of the project.
The most used species for the project are the Acacia mangium, E. tereticornis and native species.
These species occupy more than 80% of the area intervened by the project. To a lesser extent, other
species have been used, such as E. pellita, A. occidentale, H. brasiliensis and P. caribeae. The main
characteristics and growth conditions of these species are described below.

Acacia mangium
The most used specie for reforestation projects is the Acacia mangium 75. It is an indigenous species
from the northwestern part of Australia, Papua New Guinea and eastern Indonesia, including the
Moluccas islands. In Central America it is known as Mangium or Acacia. It has been introduced in
countries like Sri Lanka, Popular China, Thailand, Malaysia, Nepal, the Philippines, among others. In
Central America was introduced in 1979, for research purposes only and to a higher level only from
1984, in Panama, Costa Rica and Honduras. It is a fast growing species, which grows well i n wet and
very humid tropical forest; especially in the lower areas of flat topography.
This tree reaches 25-30 m in height and up to 90 cm in diameter. It grows well from the sea level to
720 meters above, with temperatures between 12 °C and 34 °C and rainfall between 1,500 and 4,500
mm / year. It grows fast, prefers fertile soils that present good drainage, grows well in acidic soils,
tolerates low pH greater than 4. It has an apical dominance when grows in open areas.
It is a heliofita specie that regenerates prolifically on abandoned land, or after heavy disturbances
such as fires. It prefers deep alluvial soils, but also grows on soils depleted by the prolonged use in
agricultural production. The wood is beautiful and with fine features, thus this spec ie has several
uses; heavy constructions, wood crafts and furniture. Its cultivation has been encouraged in Colombia
and Venezuela as a source of forage for livestock.
Although in Brazil this species has an invasive behavior (in the states of Amapa and Roraima in the
Amazon and in the Atlantic Forest and coastal vegetation zones of Bahía, Espiritu Santo and Rio de
75
Pabón, C & Restrepo, C. 2009. Reforestación: Mecanismo rentable y precursor de Desarrollo para Vichada.
EIA. Disponible en: http://repository.eia.edu.co/bitstream/11190/1593/1/ADMO0566.pdf
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81
Janeiro 76), in Colombia it has not been considered an invasive species, as it has been widely
promoted for restoration processes and recovery of degraded areas (Castellanos et al. 2010, 2011,
Mateus 2013, Vargas 2013).
Due to the conditions of the department of Vichada, the acacia does not present any problems for
growing in this region as the climatic characteristics, height and precipitation are outstanding for this
species.

Eucalyptus tereticornis
E. tereticornis has the widest latitudinal distribution of any species in the genus. Native of Australia
and Papua New Guinea. It occurs over a wide range of climatic conditions, and principally in openforest formation with a number of other eucalypts and on river flats or hill slopes with alluvial or sandy
to gravelly soils. E. tereticornis has been most successful in summer rainfall conditions with a
moderate to fairly severe dry season. It is considerably drought resistant but is susceptible to frost.
The species tolerates occasional waterlogging. In many countries, among the Eucalyptus species, E.
tereticornis is considered relatively fire resistant.
Is a tree up to 45 m tall or taller; trunk erect, 1-1.8 m in diameter; crown large, open or fairly dense,
variable; bark smooth, whitish, peeling in irregular thin sheets or large flakes, becoming mottled with
white, grey or bluish patches, often some rough, dark grey bark at base; twigs reddish or yellowishgreen.
It easily adapts to poor soils, represented by an early growth and absence of pests and diseases. It
grows on slightly sloping topography. Altitude: 0-800 m, average temperature of 19-29 °C, annual
rainfall 900-3,000 mm, resists strong winds, prefers sandy, deep, well-drained, fertile, moist, with pH
of 5-6 but also well developed in acid soils. It grows well in sandy and clay soils.
In general, E. tereticornis has proved fairly free of pests and diseases. In many areas termites attack
young plants if insecticide is not used while planting. In India, the most serious disease has been the
canker caused by the fungus Corticium salmonicolo 77.

Eucalyptus pellita
In its natural habitat; Australia and Papua New Guinea; is found in open forest formation with a large
number of other Eucalyptus species, in tall sclerophyll forest and at the margins of rainforests. The
tree grows mainly on gentle to moderately sloping topography, although it is found, to a limited extent,
on steep, well-drained slopes of large ridges and even alongside small streams in the drier and hotter
parts of its occurrence. On bare rock above beaches, it may be reduced to a bushy shrub. It grows
quickly in humid and subhumid, tropical lowland regions and requires uniform to summer rainfall. The
species is frost resistant.
76
GISP
2005.
Programa
Mundial
sobre
Especies
Invasoras.
http://www.issg.org/pdf/publications/GISP/Resources/SAmericaInvaded-ES.pdf
77 World Agroforestry. Eucalyptus tereticornis. Disponible en:
http://www.worldagroforestry.org/treedb/AFTPDFS/Eucalyptus_tereticornis.PDF
v3.0
2005.
Disponible
en:
82
Is a medium-size to large tree, up to 40 m in height and 1 m in diameter at breast height. At its best,
it has a straight trunk to about a half of the tree height and a large, heavily branched crown. The bark
is rough and persistent to the small branches, shortly fibrous, shallowly to coarsely fissured, thick and
brown to reddish-brown 78.
It easily adapts to poor soils, represented by early growth and the absence of pests and diseases. It
grows in slightly inclined topography altitude: 0 to 800 meters, average temperature of 19-29 °C,
annual rainfall of 900 to 3,000 mm. Resists strong winds, prefers sandy, deep, well-drained, fertile,
moist, with pH of 5-6 but also well developed in acid soils. It grows well in sandy and clay soils.
As for pests and diseases, the Coreolopsis fulvocinerea has been reported in Ayapel, Colombia,
attacking the wounds left by pruning. There are no reports inside the project area, about the existence
of conditions that could compromise the project, and that are frequently mentioned in the literature as
diseases that cause significant economic losses.
Among the main uses and wood products are the sawmilling industry, timber for structures (easy for
immunization), fence posts and electrical transmission. It is used as firewood, coal, pulp, paper,
plywood and for the production of fiber and particle boards.

Anacardium occidentale
This specie is a medium-sized tree, spreading, and evergreen, much branched; grows to a height of
12 m. When grown on lateritic, gravelly, coastal sandy areas, it rarely exceeds 6 m and develops a
spreading habit and globose shape with crown diameter to 12 m. Grown inland on loams, it reaches
15 m and is much branched, with a smaller (4- 6 m) crown diameter. The root system of a mature A.
occidentale, when grown from the seed, consists of a very prominent taproot and a well developed
and extensive network of lateral and sinker roots.
A. occidentale requires high temperatures; frost is deleterious. Distribution of rainfall is more important
than the amount of it. The tree fruits well if rains are not abundant during flowering and if nuts mature
in a dry period; the latter ensures good keeping quality. The tree can adapt to very dry conditions as
long as its extensive root system has access to soil moisture. In drier areas (800-1,000 mm of rainfall),
a deep and well-drained soil without impervious layers is essential.
The ideal weather conditions during the specie´s growing are: altitude: 0-1,000 m, mean annual
temperature: 17-38 deg. C, mean annual rainfall: 500 - 3,500 mm, soil type: prefers deep, fertile,
sandy soils but will grow well on most soils except pure clays or soils that are otherwise impermeable,
poorly drained or subject to periodic flooding 79.

Hevea brasiliensis
Commonly known as the rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis is a native tree species of Brazil, Bolivia,
Peru, Colombia, Guyana, and Suriname. The rubber tree is found in tropical America from Mexico to
Sao Paulo, in Africa from Mozambique to Madagascar, in southern India, Sri Lanka, and throughout
78
World Agroforestry. Eucalyptus pellita. Disponible en:
http://www.worldagroforestry.org/treedb/AFTPDFS/Eucalyptus_pellita.PDF
79 World Agroforestry. Anacardium occidentale. Disponible en:
http://www.worldagroforestry.org/treedb/AFTPDFS/Anacardium_occidentale.PDF
v3.0
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Southeast Asia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and New Guinea. Commercial rubber plantations are
found between 24 degrees north latitude in China to 25 degrees south latitude in the state of Sao
Paulo, Brazil.
Is a rapid-growing species that can reach 40 m in height and 35 cm in diameter. Its trunk is cylindrical
with a narrow base, a gray-green bark, and irregular branches. Its leaves are compound, trifoliate,
and alternate. They have a dark green upper face, a light green lower face, and marked venation.
The form and composition of the leaves varies between individuals.
Hevea brasiliensis is cultivated from sea level to 1,200 m in a range of temperatures between 20ºC
and 30°C, with 25°C being its optimal temperature. If temperatures are below 20 ºC or above 35ºC,
growth and production is noticeably affected. Precipitation should range from 1,800 mm to 2,500 mm
and be well distributed throughout the year and without dry seasons, pronounced, or prolonged heavy
precipitation. Otherwise, tree growth and latex production can be delayed. Relative humidity should
fluctuate between 70% and 90%. An average humidity of 50% can alter production by affecting levels
of defoliation.
Trees should annually receive between 1,500 and 2,500 hours of sunshine. Less than an average of
1,200 hours per year can notably affect the content of dry rubber in the latex. Rubber trees should
not be planted in areas with high winds given that stems break easily and adult plantations can suffer
great losses. The slope of the ground should not be greater than 25%. It is ideal to have flat or slightly
undulating soil that has a depth of 1–1.5 m, a sandy loam and clay loam texture, good capacity for
retaining humidity, good drainage, and acidity (with a pH between 4.1 and 6.0).
In Colombia, all commercial plantations have been established with one or two clones introduced
from Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brazil. In the Department of Caquetá (Colombian Amazon),
the promotion and development of crops of rubber (H. brasiliensis) during the past 25 years, has
favored the establishment of thousands of hectares in other regions 80.

Pinus caribaea
It is located on the Atlantic side (Central America) from the sea level on the coastal plains up to 850
m in the hinterland. It has been planted even out if its range at altitudes up to 1,500 meters. It fits to
a variety of environments, including poor and degraded soils in sandy to clay and acid soils (pH 46.5).
Pinus caribaea is a fine tree to 20-30 m tall, often 35 m, with a diameter of 50-80 cm and occasionally
up to 1 m; trunk generally straight and well formed; lower branches large, horizontal and drooping;
upper branches often ascending to form an open, rounded to pyramidal crown; young trees with a
dense, pyramidal crown.
This species grows best in frost-free areas up to about 700 m in more fertile sites with good subsoil
drainage and annual rainfall of 2,000 -3,000 mm. Generally at elevations of 600-800 m it is associated
80
Sterling, A & Hernando, C. 2011. New clones of natural rubber for the Colombian Amazone: emphasis in the
resistance
to
the
southamerican
evil
of
leaves
(Microcyclus
ulei).
Disponible
en:
http://sinchi.org.co/images/pdf/dfpublicaciones/2011/Nuevos_clones_cauchoweb.pdf
v3.0
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with P. oocarpa var. hondurensis and P. oocarpa var. ochoterenai. P. caribaea is rated as moderately
fire resistant. It tolerates salt winds and hence may be planted near the coast.
Young plantations usually start bearing female cones when they are 3-4 years old but these do not
produce fertile seed owing to the inadequate supply of pollen at this age, unless older plantations
adjoin the site. Male and female flowers are borne on the same plant. The female cones ar e the
equivalent of long shoots whereas the male cones are the equivalent of needle bundles (short
shoots). There is a variation in the proportion of male to female cones, with some trees producing
almost entirely male cones and others almost entirely fema le cones.
In many places where P. caribaea grows, the mat of needles on the ground is considered valuable
for the protection of the soil surface from erosion. In Sri Lanka a massive reforestation programme
was undertaken with plantations of P. caribaea to convert heavily eroded lands on which nothing else
could be grown. It is the only species so far successfully used to clothe barren eroded and denuded
lands with a tree cover 81.
With the exception of the caribbean pine (species that represents less than 3% of the project area),
none of the species used has been reported as invasive, according to databases and available
sources (GISIN 82, GISP 2005 83, Baptiste et al. 201084).
Although Baptiste et al. 2010, reports the P. caribaea as of high risk of invasion, this specie has been
widely recommended for the establishment of plantations in Vichada (CONIF 1998 85, Trujillo 2011 86).
In addition, several studies (Fernando et al. 2012 87, Cortes-Perez et al. 2005 88) have reported
successful cases of the specie in Casanare and Vichada for both ecosystem restoration and
commercial forest plantations. These researches serve to prove that the caribbean pine plantations
favor the development of a diverse underwood of native species, which varies according to the
gradient of the silvicultural management and the age of the plantation. Fernando et al. 2012, state
that no evidence was recorded about the regeneration of P. caribaea in the ecosystems surrounding
the plantations (ie natural forest and savanna), which so far has shown a low potential for invasion
and dominance, compared to the succession in unattended sites.
Finally, the evidences prove that the presence and diversity of vegetation in plantations is a sign that
wildlife is not absent within the planted area, where the main dispersal agents are wind, followed by
81
World Agroforestry. Pinus caribaea. Disponible en:
http://www.worldagroforestry.org/treedb/AFTPDFS/Pinus_caribaea.PDF
82 GISIN: Global Information Species Information Network
http://www.gisin.org/DH.php?WC=/WS/GISIN/GISINDirectory/home_new.html&WebSiteID=4
83 GISP: Global Invasive Species Programme, GISP 2005.
http://www.issg.org/pdf/publications/gisp/resources/samericainvaded-es.pdf
84 Baptiste M.P., Castaño N., Cárdenas D., Gutiérrez F. P., Gil D.L. y Lasso C.A. (eds). 2010. Análisis de
riesgo y propuesta de categorización de especies introducidas para Colombia. Instituto de Investigación de
Recursos Biológicos Alexander von Humboldt. Bogotá, D. C., Colombia. 200 p.
85 CONIF 1998. Guía para plantaciones forestales comerciales ORINOQUIA.
86 Trujillo 2011. Pino Caribe: El Multipropósito Fuerte de su Género. Revista M&M.
87 Fernández et al 2012. Biodiversidad Vegetal Asociada a Plantaciones Forestales de Pinus caribaea Morelet
y Eucalyptus pellita F. Muell Establecidas en Villanueva, Casanare, Colombia
88
Cortés-Pérez, F., H. Dueñas y H. Cardozo. 2005. Cambios en la vegetación de sabana ocasionados por la
plantación de Pinus caribaea en Vichada-Colombia. Revista de la Academia Colombiana de Ciencias 29(110):
69-84.
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fruit-eating birds and omnivorous animals. This indicates that the resources provided by the
plantations are being used for structural connectivity and shelter (Fernando et al. 2012).
B2.6. Describe possible adverse effects of non-native species used by the project on the region’s
environment, including impacts on native species and disease introduction or facilitation. Justify any
use of non-native species over native species.
Since commercial plantations are part of the project activities, the use of exotic or introduced species
generates higher profitability for the project as they need short shifts or rotations, allowing revenues
during the first years of the establishment (thinning). In addition, these species have been widely
recommended for reforestation projects in the Orinoco (CONIF 1998, Correa et al 2005) and
according to current reports, the main tree species planted in Vichada are : Acacia mangium;
Eucalyptus pellita and Pinus caribaea 89.
The possible adverse effects due to the use of introduced species are:

Land preparation:

Disturbance of special areas and loss of biodiversity, disruption of water streams and quality of
water due to the washing of sediments and nutrients; these depend on the soil type and de gree
of mechanized work related to the type of crop.

Loss of soil fertility. It is produced by the permanent planting of a single crop and by the erosion.
The most obvious symptom is loss of topsoil and organic matter. Inside the first few centimeters
of soil, inhabit organisms that contribute to plant nutrition and nutrient absorption.
Further possible impacts related to fertilization and pest, disease and weed control, are described in
the section B2.8 (below).
The measures taken by the farms to offset any negative impact of the plantations are described in
the sustainable forest management plan (PMFS - section Environmental Management Plan) and in
the Integrated management plan of pests and diseases.
A study in the Colombian Orinoquia, concluded that the damages of young plantations of Acacia
mangium are caused mostly by generalist’s native insect widely distributed in the tropics 90.
On the other hand, the ICA (Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario) performs health checks to forest
plantations in the department of Vichada, being part of the forest nucleus of t he Orinoco. The main
objective of the plant health program of the forest technical office about epidemiology and
phytosanitary surveillance (Programa Fitosanitario Forestal de la Dirección Técnica de Epidemiologia
y Vigilancia Fitosanitaria) in the country, is to prevent, control and mitigate endemic and exotic pests
and diseases that may occur in tree crops and agroforestry systems for commercial purposes.
89
Agricultural Colombian Institute. 2014. ICA performs sanitary control to forest plantations. Avaliable at:
http://www.ica.gov.co/Noticias/Agricola/2013-(1)/El-ICA-hace-control-sanitario-a-las-plantaciones-f.aspx
90
Lores, Angélica & Pinzón-Florián, O. 2011. Insectos fitófagos en plantaciones comerciales de Acacia
mangium Willd. En la costa Atlántica y la Orinoquia Colombiana. Disponible en:
http://www.scielo.org.co/scielo.php?pid=S0120-07392011000200004&script=sci_arttext
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There are no evidences of pest and disease problems that might affect the permanence of planted
areas.
B2.7. Guarantee that no GMOs are used to generate GHG emissions reductions or removals.
All seeds used in each nucleus come from certified companies.
Table 17. Origin of seeds used in the project
Nuclei
Canapro
El Diamante
El Toro
Certified Company
Inversiones Siringueira
Certified companies for marketing of seeds; seed trees
Company El Semillero
Place of origin
Ibagué, Tolima
Tierra Alta, Córdoba
Forest Firts (Orinoquía)
La Pedregoza
Company El Semillero, Refocosta, Conmoringa,
Impulsemillas, Kanguroy S.A., Proforca
Bogotá, Orinoquía
Horizonte Verde
Vivero y Reforestadora La Salada, Company El
Semillero, Company Refocosta S.A.
Bogotá, Orinoquía
In the case of rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) at the property of Canapro, seeds and / or plant material
tolerant to pests and diseases will be used, for example, rubber clones IAN 710, IAN 873 and FX
3864 are tolerant to the fungus that transmits the disease known as south-American leaf blight (SALB)
(Mycrocyclus Ulei)91.
B2.8. Describe the possible adverse effects of, and justify the use of, fertilizers, chemical pesticides,
biological control agents and other inputs used for the project.
Low fertility is one of the most common aspects in all soils of the project zone (Cortés, 1978),
therefore, for the establishment of forest species, it is necessary to undertake activities that promote
the accumulation of nutrients and that guarantee the suitable development of plants.
For the particular case of La Pedregoza, since 2012, the project owners are using an organic fertilizer
as a natural forestry practice, that includes the use of composts, manure broths, and cut grass. The
fertilization method is performed by preparing natural and organic materials only. One of these is the
composting, the other is an exclusive treatment of la Pedregoza, that includes manure balls of zebu.
An organic fertilization means that fertilizers, can not cause any damage to the environment, minimize
transportation costs and cause less risk to the health of humans, animals and wildlife. Additionally, it
means there is a better retention of nutrients, with better maintenance of underground microfauna
and better retention of soil moisture during the summer.
91
The south-American leaf blight the main fungal disease of rubber trees in South America. Disponible en:
http://www.ica.gov.co/getattachment/b615d264-72e4-4964-b734-7a8b7ec4578a/El-mal-suramericano-de-lashojas,-enfermedad-limit.aspx
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Additionally, in the short term, La Pedregoza is planning the use of biochar (charcoal loaded with
composting) as an amendment into the soil to improve the retention and cation exchange capacity of
the soil. The owner of this farm aim is to make biochar by using pyrolysis furnaces, which prevents
the escape of greenhouse gases and that produces ash as sub-product, which is a very potent
fertilizer with many trace elements from natural sources and immediately bioavailable for the trees.
The possible adverse effects for the use of fertilizers, chemical pesticides, biological control agents
and other inputs used for the project, are:

Fertilization
When using fertilizers, is important to establish the optimum composition, nutrient concentrations and
the type of materials used in its production, as certain components can alter the biochemical
characteristics of soil and water, accelerate the process of eutrophication in aquatic systems and
negatively affect the crop production.
Sometimes, the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and / or applications at unsuitable times (for both
crops and environmental components) may adversely affect the environment, altering the balance of
nutrients in the soil, changing the pH, salinity, and pollution of water bodies caused by discharges of
chemical waste.
In the process of fertilization, a certain degree of non-reusable waste (plastic containers and
agrochemicals etc.) is produced. Project participants should clearly identify this type of material, to
proceed with the proper method of storage and disposal.

Weed control, Pest and deseases
The excessive use of herbicides to eradicate weeds, pollutes natural systems directly influencing the
quality of the soil resources, water and air and indirectly in the flora and fauna; and it incorporates
evil substances that accumulate in organisms.
Improper control of pests and handling of chemicals, pollutes soils and areas where they are applied,
including water bodies and alters the biological activity of many native species.
The Improper control of crop diseases can affect interactions between insects - entomopathogenic
fungi (beneficial Populations) - plant and create resistance in populations of pests and weeds (evil
Populations).
B2.9. Describe the process for identifying, classifying and managing all waste products resulting from
project activities.
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For handling chemical products, recommendations of the technical data should be followed,
including the security and safety standards and other procedures determined by the
company, for the work of handling, mixing and application of agro-inputs.
-
Those responsible for handling pesticides, should wear protective equipment, in order to
avoid poisoning and health damages.
88
-
The chemicals are identified and stored, preserving their original labels. The respective safety
data sheets will be available in the field.
-
The packages and containers of chemicals will be disposed as hazardous waste and will be
delivered to the office of health of Puerto Carreño for their final disposal, therefore they won’t
be reused.
-
Location of chemical inputs in the corresponding cellar, following the necessary instructions
for handling and storage.
-
Handling chemicals following the recommendations of the technical data sheets and sheets
of security and the safety rules and other procedures determined by the company, for the
work of handling, mixing and application.
-
The packages and chemical containers should not be reused for any purpose.
-
The personnel or machinery operators will be trained in the proper handling and disposal of
fuels and lubricants.
-
Washing and maintenance of machinery, tools and containers is forbidden in areas close to
natural drainages or water sources.
B3. Offsite Biodiversity Impacts
B3.1. Identify potential negative impacts on biodiversity that the project activities are likely to cause
outside the Project Zone.
No potential negative offsite biodiversity impacts have been identified
B3.2. Describe the measures needed and taken to mitigate these negative impacts on biodiversity
outside the Project Zone.
B3.3. Evaluate unmitigated negative impacts on biodiversity outside the Project Zone and compare
them with the project’s biodiversity benefits within the Project Zone. Justify and demonstrate that the
net effect of the project on biodiversity is positive.
B4. Biodiversity Impact Monitoring
B4.1. Develop and implement a monitoring plan that identifies biodiversity variables to be monitored,
the areas to be monitored, the sampling methods, and the frequency of monitoring and reporting.
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Monitoring variables must be directly linked to the project’s biodiversity objectives and to predicted
activities, outcomes and impacts identified in the project’s causal model related to biodiversity
(described in G1.8).
The monitoring plan contains the following elements:
1. Review and Frequency
The monitoring of each management plan will take place at least once a year and will be the manager,
the person responsible to designate the person responsible for this work.
2. Modifications and approval
Amendments shall be done by a person designated by the manager, and then be approved by him.
3. Following plan
The indicators established to monitor the programs during the project's implementation are
presented as follows:
Monitoring plan for biodiversity:
Countries that have signed the convention of biological diversity (Convención de Diversidad Biológica
CDB), must implement policies to protect biodiversity at different levels 92, including ecosystems that
contain rich and vulnerable biodiversity and threatened or endemic natural species as well as
threatened communities that involve domesticated or non-native species but which social and
economic importance is very high.
Colombia has signed this agreement, for this reason, the Impacts assessment on biodiversity is so
important and in some cases mandatory. Even though that none endemic specie were found as highly
threatened in the study area, some endangered species have a direct or indirect dependence from
the forest covers of the area. Thus monitoring activities must follow up very close the changes in
populations and any variations of the associated biodiversity.
According to the approach for the impacts assessment generated by the International Association for
Impact Assessment (IAIA), every project must try to achieve the goal of zero net loss of biodiversity.
This objective can be achieved when the project seeks for alternative solutions to minimize
biodiversity losses, and also when using mitigation to restore biodiversity resources, among others.
With this approach any monitoring plan should start from taking an ecosystem approach, for this
reason any assessment on biodiversity should be make in an integrated way and taking into account
long term perspectives.
Additionally and according to the IAIA the approach to be implemente d for this project shall include
the following aspects:

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Sustainable use of biodiversity resources.
IAIA Biodiversity in impact assesment. Special publication series No 3.
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

Ensure equitable sharing by making sure that traditional rights and uses of biodiversity are
properly recognized and respected.
Apply the precautionary principle, which means that any action shall be delayed when the
area has not sufficient information related to its biodiversity or natural resources in general.
The monitoring of biodiversity implies the assessment and quantification of positive or negative
changes in the patterns, characteristics, populations, communities, niches and other ecological
features that could be affected due to the implementation of the project.
Within the monitoring plan must be include a description of aerial, underground and terrestrial
biodiversity directly affected by the project, through characterization and analysis of the structure and
composition of vegetation and associated fauna, including analysis of frequency, richness and
abundance of the identified species. This analysis should include sections related to the connectivity
of the ecosystems in the area, the current state of conservation of soils and their sensitivity to
agrochemicals or organic products, among others.
In terms of vegetation, it is planned to evaluate the remaining areas of natural forest and its proximity
to the area to be operated. Native species should be identified and quantified within the forest
inventory including saplings and shrubs. An assessment of the level of degradation of the study area
should be carry out and a special effort should be done in order to identify the possible actions or
activities to be implemented to offset or reduce these levels of degradation.
In terms of wildlife, an inventory all individuals present in the area of influence of the project should
be done, with the aim of identifying patterns and relationships between species, such as seed
dispersal mechanisms and fauna related to that purpose; identification and description of native
species, or species of special character due to their ecological behavior (endemic species), economic
(high commercial value) and social (particularly important for certain communities).
The monitoring plan should include the following items:




Identification and description of niches.
Description of the main eco region present in the study area.
Aquatic, aerial and terrestrial habitat types present in the area and associated communities.
Description of the landscape elements of special importance.
Final products of the monitoring: By the end of each monitoring conducted within the study area,
some of the results listed below should be presented, depending on the type of information collected
and the purposes of collecting:






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Vegetation map.
Results of interviews carried out with local communities, with the aim of identifying wildlife
species of special value.
Description of taxa.
History of previous research in the area of study (review of secondary information in general),
including analysis of threats to biodiversity and management. Relationship between the
threats described and communities present in the area.
If any elements with high conservation values are found, they must be located by maps or
satellite images. In the case of endemic species, photographic evidence must be provided.
Description of impacts on biodiversity in the scenario without and with project.
91



Description of measures to maintain biodiversity.
Select biodiversity indicators (pressure, state and response indicators are mostly used) in
order to facilitate monitoring activities.
Describe the state of the species found including its social, economic and ecological values.
B4.2. Develop and implement a monitoring plan to assess the effectiveness of measures taken to
maintain or enhance all identified High Conservation Values related to globally, regionally or nationally
significant Biodiversity (identified in B1.2) present in the Project Zone.
The effectiveness of measures used to maintain or enhance HCVs will be assessed through the
monitoring plan described above.
B4.3. Disseminate the monitoring plan and the results of monitoring, ensuring that they are made
publicly available on the internet and summaries are communicated to the Communities and Other
Stakeholders through appropriate means.
The results of monitoring undertaken will be made publicly available on the internet and through the
web site of the project proponent (Fundación Natura) and the ones of the project owners.
Additionally, all documents and information about the results of the monitoring and verification of this
project will be published in the platforms of the VCS and CCB standards as usual.
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APPENDIX I: THREATENED SPECIES
According to the UICN red list of threatened species, version 2012, the following species are
catalogued as DD (Data deficient), LC (Least concern) 93, NT (Near threatened), VU (Vulnerable), EN
(Endangered), or CR (Critically endangered) (Catalogue of life) 94 depending of their current status of
threat.
Table 18. Endangered fauna species in the Orinoco region
Scientific name
Common name
Category
Fish
Osteoglossum ferreirai
Arauana Azul, Arawana
LC
Colossoma macropomum
Cachama Negra, Cherna, Gamitana
LF
Brachyplatystoma juruense
Apuy, Manta Negra, Camisa Rayada
VU
Brachyplatystoma filamentosum
Valentón, Plumita, Lechero, Pirahiba
EN
Brachyplatystoma flavicans
Dorado, Plateado
EN
Brachyplatystoma vaillantii
Blancopobre, Pirabutón, Capaz
EN
Paulicea luetkeni
Saliboro, Bagre Sapo, Peje Negro
EN
Pseudoplatystoma tigrinum
Pintadillo Tigre, Bagre, Capararí
EN
Mammals
Aotus brumbacki
VU
Aotus vociferans
LC
Ateles belzebuth
EN
Callicebus torquatus
LC
Cebus apella
LC
Saimiri sciureus
LC
Cacajao melanocephalus
LC
93
When a taxon has been evaluated against the criteria and does not qualify for Critically Endangered,
endangered or vulnerable or any other category
94 The species catalogued as LF, are those who have not been yet reported by the UICN but appear on the
Catalogue of life (indexing the world’s known species)
v3.0
93
Scientific name
Common name
Category
Lagothrix lagothricha
Choyo
VU
Alouatta seniculus
Araguato
LC
Cebus apella
Maicero
LC
Cerdocyon thous
Zorra
LC
Eira Barbara
Ulamá
LC
Inia geoffrensis
Delfín Rosado
DD
Leopardus pardalis
Leopardo
LC
Leopardus wiedii
Tigrillo peludo
NT
Lontra longicaudis
Nutria neotropical
DD
Myrmecophaga tridactyla
Oso hormiguero, oso palmero
VU
Odocoileus virinianus
Venado sabanero
LF
Panthera onca
Tigre
NT
Pecari Tajacu
Zaino
LC
Priodontes maximus
Armadillo gigante
VU
Pteronura brasiliensis
Perro de agua
EN
Puma concolor
Puma
LC
Saimiri sciureus
Mico
LC
Tapirus terrestres
Danta común
VU
Tayassu pecari
Cajuche
NT
Reptiles
Ameiva ameiva
Lobato cardenillo
LF
Amphisbaena alba
Tatacoa
LC
Boa constrictor
Boa
LF
Bothrops asper
Mapaná
LF
Caiman crocodilus crocodilus
Cachirre
LF
Chelonoidis carbonaria
Morrocoy
LF
v3.0
94
Scientific name
Common name
Category
Chelonoidis denticulata
Tortuga morrocoy
VU
Chironius carinatus
Voladora
LF
Cnemidophorus lemniscatus
Lobo
LF
Crocodylus intermedius
Caimán del Orinoco, llanero
CR
Crotalus durissus
Cascabel
LC
Eunectes murinus
Guio
LF
Gonatodes albogularis
Toteca
LF
Iguana iguana
Iguana
LF
Leptodeira annulata
Falsa Mapaná
LF
Mabuya mabouya
LF
Mastigodryas pleei
Guardacaminos
LF
Paleosuchus palpebrosus
Babilla
LC
Podocnemis expansa
Galápaga
LR
Podocnemis unifilis V
Galápaga
VU
Tupinambis teguixin
Lobo pollero
LC
Birds
Amazona amazónica
Lora
LC
Amazona ochrocephala
Lora Cabeciamarilla
LC
Ammodramus humeralis
Correcaminos Sabanero
LC
Anas cyanoptera
Pava negra
LC
Anthracothorax nigricollis
Colibri
LC
Ara macao
Guacamaya Macao
LC
Ara militaris
Guacamaya verde
VU
Ara severus
Guacamaya Cariseca
LC
Aratinga pertinax
Perico Carisucio
LC
Ardea alba
Garza Blanca
LF
v3.0
95
Scientific name
Common name
Category
Arremonops conirostris
Pinzón conirrostro
LC
Arundinicola leucocephala
Monjita pantanera
LC
Athene cunicularia
Murruco , Guarracuco
LC
Basileuterus cinereicollis
Arañero pechigris
NT
Botaurus pinnatus
Avetoro
LC
Brachygalba goeringi
LC
Burhinus bistriatus
Guerere – Gurre
LC
Buteo albicaudatus
Gavilan
LC
Buteo magnirostris
Gavilán azul
LC
Buteogallus meridionalis
Aguila mona
LC
Butorides striata
Chicuaco
LC
Cacicus cela
Arrendajo
LC
Cacicus uropygialis
Arrendajo escarlata
LC
Caprimulgus cayennensis
Guardacaminos
LC
Caracara cheriway
Carraco
LC
Cathartes aura
Guala
LC
Cathartes burrovianus
Laura
LC
Chlorostilbon poortmanni
Esmeralda rabicorta
LC
Circus buffoni
Aguilucho Negro
LC
Coereba flaveola
Mielero Común
LC
Colaptes punctigula
Carpintero
LC
Colinus cristatus
Perdiz
LC
Columbina squamata
Torcaza
LF
Columbina talpacoti
Tierrera
LC
Coragyps atratus
Samuro
LC
Crax daubentoni
Pavón moquiamarillo
NT
v3.0
96
Scientific name
Common name
Category
Crotophaga ani
Jirijuelo
LC
Cyanocorax violaceus
Pollo de monte
LC
Dacnis cayana
Dacnis azul
LC
Dendrocygna viduata
Careto
LC
Dryocopus lineatus
Carpintero real
LC
Egretta caerulea
Garza Azul
LC
Elaenia flavogaster
Elaenia copetona
LC
Falco deiroleucus
Halcón Colorado
NT
Falco femoralis
Halcon
LC
Falco sparverius
Halcon, Cernícalo
LC
Forpus conspicillatus
Periquito
LC
Gymnomystax mexicanus
Toche
LC
Harpia harpyja
Águila moñuda
NT
Herpetotheres cachinnans
Guacabó
LC
Hypnelus ruficollis
LC
Jabiru mycteria
Gaban
LC
Manacus manacus
Pica piedra
LC
Megaceryle torquata
Matraquero, Martin pescador
LC
Milvago chimachima
Chiriguare
LC
Mimus gilvus
Parablata
LC
Mitu tomentosum
Paujil
NT
Momotus subrufescens
Barranquero
LF
Morphnus guianensis
Águila arpía
NT
Myiozetetes cayanensis
Siriri
LC
Neochen jubata
Pato carretero
NT
Nycticorax nycticorax
Chicuaco
LC
v3.0
97
Scientific name
Common name
Category
Nyctidromus albicollis
Bujio
LC
Orthopsittaca manilata
Catarnica
LC
Oryzoborus angolensis
Arrocero
LC
Patagioenas cayennensis
Torcaza
LC
Pauxi pauxi
Paujil Copete de Piedra
EN
Penelope jacquacu
Pava
LC
Piaya cayana
Pisca, pascuita
LC
Pilherodius pileatus
Garza
LC
Pipra erythrocephala
LC
Pitangus lictor
Caballicero
LC
Pitangus sulphuratus
Cristofue
LC
Polystictus pectoralis
Tachurí barbado
NT
Progne chalybea
Golondrina
LC
Pyrocephalus rubinus
Pechirrojo
LC
Quiscalus lugubris
Mirla
LC
Ramphastos tucanus
Piapoco, Tucán
LC
Ramphocelus carbo
Come queso
LC
Sarcoramphus papa
Raisamuro
LC
Sicalis flaveola
Canario
LC
Sporophila minuta
Espiguero
LC
Sturnella magna
Chirlobirlo
LC
Sturnella militaris
Soldadito
LC
Syrigma sibilatrix
Campanilla, Chunguita
LC
Tachycineta albiventer
Golondrina
LC
Tangara cayana
Tangara triguera
LC
Theristicus caudatus
Tautaco
LC
v3.0
98
Scientific name
Common name
Category
Thraupis episcopus
Azulejo
LC
Thraupis palmarum
Azulejo
LC
Tigrisoma lineatum
Vaco Colorado
LC
Todirostrum cinereum
Espatulilla
LC
Trogon viridis
Trogon
LC
Tyrannus melancholicus
Caballicero
LC
Tyrannus savana (Ma)
Tijereta
LC
Tyrannus tyrannus
Siriri
LC
Vanellus chilensis
Alcaraván
LC
Veniliornis passerinus
Carpintero
LC
Xiphorhynchus obsoletus
Trepa troncos
LC
Zenaida auriculata
Paloma
LC
Amphibians
Rhinella granulosus
Sapito verrugoso
LC
Rhinella marina
Sapo
LC
Hypsiboas boans
Rana
LC
Hypsiboas crepitans
Rana
LC
Hypsiboas punctatus
Rana
LC
Pseudis paradoxa
Rana
LC
Trachycephalus venulosus
Rana
LC
Leptodactylus fuscus
Saltona
LC
v3.0
99
Source: Mojica et al. (2002) 95, Renjifo et al. (2002) 96, Corporinoquía (2004) 97, Romero et al (2009 98),
Rodríguez et al (2006).
95
Mojica, J. I., C. Castellanos, J. S. Usma y R. Álvarez (eds.). 2002. Libro rojo de peces dulceacuícolas de
Colombia. Serie Libros Rojos de Especies Amenazadas de Colombia. Instituto de Ciencias Naturales Universidad Nacional de Colombia y Ministerio del Medio Ambiente. Bogotá, Colombia.
96 Rengifo, L. M., A. M. Franco-Maya, J. D. Amaya-Espinel, G. H. Kattan y B. López-Lanús (eds.). 2002. Libro
rojo de aves de Colombia. Serie Libros Rojos de Especies Amenazadas de Colombia. Instituto de
Investigación de Recursos Biológicos Alexander von Humboldt y Ministerio del Medio Ambiente. Bogotá,
Colombia.
97 Corporación Autónoma Regional de la Orinoquía (CORPORINOQUIA). 2004. Plan de Acción 2004-2006.
Yopal, Colombia.
98 Romero M.H., Maldonado-Ocampo J.A., Bogotá- Gregory J.D., Usma J.S., Umaña-Villaveces A.M., Murillo
J.I., Restrepo-Calle S., Álvarez M., Palacios-Lozano M.T., Valbuena M.S., Mejía S.L. Aldana-Domínguez J. y
Payán E. 2009. Informe sobre el estado de la biodiversidad en Colombia 2007- 2008: piedemonte
orinoquense, sabanas y bosques asociados al norte del río Guaviare. Instituto de Investigación de Recursos
Biológicos Alexander von Humboldt. Bogotá D.C., Colombia. 151 p.
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